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Vertebroplasty for Spinal Compression Fractures and Pain Relief
What is Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that treats spinal compression fractures. These fractures occur when the vertebrae, the bones of the spine, crack or collapse. As a result, patients may experience significant pain when the broken bone surfaces move against each other.
During vertebroplasty, the physician injects surgical cement directly into the fractured vertebra. This cement stabilizes the bone, prevents further collapse, and helps relieve pain. In many cases, patients notice improvement quickly.
Healthcare providers may also call this procedure percutaneous vertebroplasty.
Watch a Vertebroplasty procedure here.
What Does Vertebroplasty Treat?
Vertebroplasty primarily treats spinal compression fractures caused by several underlying conditions. These include:
- Osteoporosis, which weakens the bones
- Spinal injury or trauma
- Cancer, including multiple myeloma
By stabilizing the fractured vertebra, vertebroplasty helps reduce pain and improve mobility.
Is Vertebroplasty a Major Surgery?
No, vertebroplasty is not a major surgery. Instead, it is a minimally invasive procedure. Most patients return home the same day and resume normal activities soon after.
Planning for a Vertebroplasty.
Preparation for vertebroplasty depends on whether sedation is used. Therefore, your care team will give you specific instructions before your procedure.
If Sedation Is Required
First, do not eat for six hours before the procedure. However, small amounts of clear liquids may be allowed up to two hours before.
Additionally, arrange for transportation. You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.
If No Sedation Is Required
In this case, no fasting is necessary. You may eat normally before your appointment.
You may also drive yourself to and from the procedure.
Medications to Stop Before the Procedure
Some medications must be held before vertebroplasty to reduce bleeding risk. These include:
- Coumadin or Warfarin for 3 days with an INR test required
- Pradaxa for 3 days
- Xarelto for 24 to 48 hours
- Persantine for 7 days
- Aggrenox for 7 days
- Plavix or Clopidogrel for 7 days
- Wegovy for 7 days
- Ozempic or Mounjaro for 7 days
- Eliquis for 3 days
If you take blood thinners, consult with our office or follow additional pre-procedure guidelines. Each medication has a different recommended hold time.
What Happens During Vertebroplasty?
On the day of your procedure, you will arrive at a hospital or outpatient clinic. After changing into a gown, you will lie on your stomach. An anesthesiologist will provide sedation or general anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
Next, your physician uses fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray, to guide a needle into the fractured vertebra. Once the needle is in position, surgical cement is injected to stabilize the bone. In some cases, more than one injection may be needed.
Typically, the procedure takes about one hour for each vertebra treated.
After the Vertebroplasty Procedure.
After the procedure is complete, your physician removes the needle and places a bandage over the puncture site. You should leave this bandage in place for a few days, following your provider’s instructions.
You can go home the same day. However, someone must drive you if you received sedation. Rest is recommended for at least 24 hours. Additionally, you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for several weeks.
Vertebroplasty Recovery.
Recovery after vertebroplasty is usually quick. Most patients experience meaningful improvement within a short time.
- Many patients feel pain relief within 48 hours, and some notice relief immediately.
- Most people return to regular daily activities within 24 hours. However, strenuous activity should be avoided for about six weeks.
- Mild soreness at the puncture site may occur. This usually resolves within three days. Applying ice can help reduce discomfort.
When to Call Your Doctor.
If you experience a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Contact your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- Worsening pain
- Signs of infection such as fever, swelling, or skin changes
- Excessive bleeding at the puncture site
- New numbness or tingling