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Fluoroscopy Guided

Vertebroplasty

Image-Guided Vertebral Stabilization for Painful Compression Fractures

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used in carefully selected patients with painful vertebral compression fractures. Under fluoroscopy guidance, medical bone cement is injected into the affected vertebral body to help stabilize the fracture and potentially reduce fracture-related pain.

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Fluoroscopy guided vertebroplasty for a painful vertebral compression fracture
Treatment Type
Vertebral Augmentation
Target Area
Vertebral Body
Guidance
Fluoroscopy Guided
Procedure
Minimally Invasive
Vertebroplasty treatment for a painful vertebral compression fracture

What Is Vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive vertebral augmentation procedure used to treat selected patients with painful vertebral compression fractures.

These fractures can occur when a vertebral body becomes weakened and partially collapses. Osteoporosis is a common cause, although vertebral fractures may also occur because of trauma or certain conditions affecting bone strength.

During vertebroplasty, the patient is positioned carefully and the affected vertebra is identified using fluoroscopy, which provides real-time X-ray imaging.

A specialized needle is advanced into the fractured vertebral body under imaging guidance. A medical-grade bone cement, commonly polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), is then carefully injected into the vertebra.

The cement hardens within the vertebral body and may help stabilize the fractured bone. The primary goal of the procedure is to reduce pain related to the vertebral compression fracture and improve function in appropriately selected patients.

Targets painful vertebral fractures
Fluoroscopy guided
Minimally invasive procedure
Uses medical bone cement
Helps stabilize the treated vertebra
May reduce fracture-related pain
The Procedure

How Does Vertebroplasty Work?

01
Clinical Assessment

Your specialist reviews your symptoms, medical history, physical examination and relevant imaging to confirm the cause of pain and determine whether vertebroplasty may be appropriate.

02
Positioning & Preparation

You are positioned appropriately, usually lying face down. The skin over the treatment area is cleaned and local anaesthesia is used. Sedation may be considered when clinically appropriate.

03
Fluoroscopy Guidance

Real-time X-ray imaging is used to identify the affected vertebra and guide the specialized needle into the vertebral body with appropriate positioning.

04
Cement Injection

Medical-grade bone cement is carefully injected into the fractured vertebral body under continuous imaging guidance. The injection is monitored to help minimize unwanted cement leakage.

Potential Benefits of Vertebroplasty
Fracture-Related Pain Relief

Selected patients may experience meaningful reduction in pain associated with a painful vertebral compression fracture.

Vertebral Stabilization

The hardened cement can help stabilize the treated vertebral body.

Image-Guided Precision

Fluoroscopy allows the specialist to visualize the vertebra and monitor cement placement during the procedure.

Minimally Invasive Approach

Vertebroplasty is performed through a small needle access point rather than through open spinal surgery.

Improved Mobility

When fracture-related pain improves, some patients may find it easier to resume movement and daily activities.

Targeted Treatment

Treatment is directed at the affected vertebral body rather than providing nonspecific treatment for general back pain.

Vertebroplasty is not appropriate for every vertebral fracture. Careful patient selection and imaging assessment are essential.
You May Be a Candidate If:

Vertebroplasty may be considered for carefully selected patients with a painful vertebral compression fracture when the fracture is believed to be the main source of pain.

Your doctor may consider the procedure if:

  • You have a painful vertebral compression fracture confirmed through appropriate clinical and imaging assessment.
  • Your fracture is associated with significant, persistent pain that affects daily activities.
  • Conservative treatment has not provided adequate pain relief.
  • The fracture is considered suitable for vertebral augmentation based on its location, age and characteristics.
  • You have a vertebral compression fracture related to osteoporosis or another condition affecting bone strength, when vertebroplasty is clinically appropriate.
  • Your pain specialist determines that the potential benefits outweigh the risks for your individual condition.
Not every compression fracture requires vertebroplasty. Many fractures improve with appropriate conservative treatment, and the decision should be based on symptoms, imaging findings, fracture characteristics and overall health.

Conditions Where Vertebroplasty May Be Considered

Vertebroplasty is primarily considered for selected painful vertebral compression fractures after appropriate clinical and imaging evaluation.

Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture

Vertebral fractures caused by weakened bones from osteoporosis can produce significant localized back pain and may be considered for vertebral augmentation in selected cases.

Painful Compression Fractures

Vertebroplasty may be considered when a vertebral compression fracture remains significantly painful despite appropriate initial treatment.

Selected Pathological Vertebral Fractures

In carefully selected patients, vertebroplasty may be used for painful vertebral lesions or pathological fractures associated with certain diseases affecting the vertebral body.

Vertebral Body Collapse

Selected painful vertebral body collapse may require assessment for stabilization when the fracture pattern and patient's overall condition make vertebral augmentation appropriate.

Persistent Fracture-Related Pain

Patients with ongoing severe pain that can be clearly attributed to a vertebral compression fracture may be evaluated for vertebroplasty.

Selected Vertebral Lesions

Certain painful vertebral lesions may weaken the vertebral body and require specialist assessment to determine whether cement augmentation is appropriate.

Why Choose Vedant Pain Management Clinic for Vertebroplasty?

Detailed Assessment

Your symptoms, fracture history, examination findings and relevant imaging are reviewed before treatment is considered.

Fluoroscopy Guidance

Real-time X-ray imaging helps guide needle placement and allows careful monitoring during cement delivery.

Careful Patient Selection

Vertebroplasty is recommended only when clinical and imaging findings support the potential value of vertebral augmentation.

Personalized Care

Your treatment plan is based on the fracture characteristics, symptoms, medical history and individual clinical needs.

Before Vertebroplasty

Before the procedure, your pain specialist may:

  • Review your symptoms, medical history and fracture history.
  • Perform a physical and neurological examination.
  • Review relevant X-rays, CT scans, MRI or other imaging studies.
  • Confirm that the vertebral fracture is likely to be the source of your pain.
  • Assess the age, location and characteristics of the fracture.
  • Review medications, allergies and relevant medical conditions.
  • Discuss the expected benefits, alternatives and potential risks of vertebroplasty.
  • Provide specific instructions regarding medications, fasting and preparation when applicable.

Your doctor will determine whether vertebroplasty is appropriate for your fracture and overall health.

Patient consulting a pain specialist before vertebroplasty treatment
After Vertebroplasty

After the procedure, you may be monitored for a period before discharge. Your recovery instructions will depend on the treated vertebra, your medical condition and the technique used.

You may be advised to:

  • Follow the activity instructions provided by your doctor.
  • Avoid strenuous activity until your specialist advises that it is appropriate.
  • Monitor your pain and report significant changes or new symptoms.
  • Take prescribed medications according to your doctor's instructions.
  • Follow recommended osteoporosis management and fracture-prevention measures when applicable.
  • Attend follow-up appointments as advised.

Pain improvement varies between patients. Some patients may experience substantial relief relatively soon after vertebroplasty, while others may have a more gradual recovery depending on the fracture and other sources of pain.

Risks & Considerations

Vertebroplasty is minimally invasive but, like any medical procedure, it carries potential risks. Possible complications include infection, bleeding, temporary or persistent pain, allergic or medication reactions and complications related to the cement.

One important procedural risk is leakage of bone cement outside the vertebral body. Small amounts of cement leakage may occur without causing symptoms, but leakage into certain surrounding structures can potentially cause nerve irritation, spinal cord compression or vascular complications.

Fluoroscopy is used to monitor needle placement and cement distribution during the procedure, although imaging guidance cannot eliminate all procedural risks.

Vertebroplasty does not treat the underlying osteoporosis. Patients with osteoporosis may need ongoing bone-health management to reduce the risk of future fractures.

Vertebroplasty is also not intended to treat every cause of back pain. Careful diagnosis is important before considering the procedure.

Seek medical attention promptly if you experience severe or worsening pain, new weakness or numbness, difficulty walking, fever, spreading redness or swelling, chest pain, breathing difficulty, loss of bladder or bowel control, or other concerning symptoms after the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used in selected patients with painful vertebral compression fractures. Under imaging guidance, bone cement is injected into the affected vertebral body to help stabilize the fracture and potentially reduce fracture-related pain.
Why is Vertebroplasty performed?
Vertebroplasty may be considered when a painful vertebral compression fracture remains significantly symptomatic despite appropriate conservative treatment and the patient is considered suitable for vertebral augmentation.
Is Vertebroplasty performed under fluoroscopy?
Yes. Fluoroscopy is commonly used to guide needle placement and monitor the injection of bone cement into the affected vertebral body.
Who may benefit from Vertebroplasty?
Carefully selected patients with a painful vertebral compression fracture that is confirmed through clinical and imaging assessment may be considered. Patient selection depends on the fracture characteristics, symptoms and overall medical condition.
What type of fractures can Vertebroplasty treat?
Vertebroplasty is primarily considered for selected painful vertebral compression fractures. These may be related to osteoporosis, trauma or certain conditions that weaken the vertebral body.
Is Vertebroplasty the same as Kyphoplasty?
No. Both are vertebral augmentation procedures, but their techniques differ. Vertebroplasty involves direct injection of bone cement into the vertebral body, whereas kyphoplasty typically uses a balloon or similar device before cement placement.
Does Vertebroplasty cure osteoporosis?
No. Vertebroplasty does not treat the underlying osteoporosis. Patients with osteoporosis may require separate medical treatment, nutrition, exercise and fall-prevention strategies to reduce the risk of future fractures.
How soon can pain improve after Vertebroplasty?
The timing and degree of pain relief vary. Some appropriately selected patients may experience improvement relatively soon after the procedure, while others may recover more gradually.
What are the risks of Vertebroplasty?
Potential risks include infection, bleeding, medication reactions and cement leakage. Depending on where cement leaks, rare but serious complications involving nerves, the spinal cord, blood vessels or lungs can occur.
Can Vertebroplasty treat ordinary back pain?
Vertebroplasty is not a general treatment for ordinary or nonspecific back pain. It is intended for selected patients whose pain is associated with an appropriate vertebral compression fracture.

Persistent Pain From a Vertebral Compression Fracture?

Persistent pain after a vertebral compression fracture may require a detailed clinical and imaging assessment. If the fracture remains significantly painful despite appropriate conservative treatment, vertebral augmentation may be considered in selected patients.
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