Vertebroplasty
What Is Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure for stabilizing compression fractures of the spine. Since its introduction in the United States in the early 1990’s, vertebroplasty has demonstrated its ability to help countless patients suffering from compression fractures reduce their pain by stabilizing the spine.
Vertebroplasty Procedure
The area of surgery will be sterilized, then a local anesthetic will be injected into the skin and deep tissues near the fracture. A very small skin incision is made at the site. Using X-ray guidance, a surgical instrument called a trocar is passed through the spinal muscles until its tip is precisely positioned within the fractured vertebra and a void is created with a void creation device. Medical-grade cement is injected into the fractured bone, then the trocar is removed and a dressing is applied. The procedure is usually completed within an hour unless multiple levels are being done.
- The procedure is done on an outpatient basis.
- An IV will be started, allowing a physician assistant to administer an antibiotic and sedation medication.
- The patient will be positioned face down for the procedure.
- The patient will be connected to monitors that track their heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse during the procedure.