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Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is a surgical procedure that is used to correct
vertebral fractures.
This is a
minimally invasive
outpatient procedure performed under local anesthetic. The procedure involves a small incision in the skin. The surgeon will view the procedure under live X-ray (fluoroscopy). A needle is inserted into the bone fracture. Special cement called PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate acrylic cement) is injected directly into the fractured vertebrae. The cement will harden in less than 15 minutes and provide immediate stability to the fracture. After the
orthopedic surgeon
is sure that the vertebrae has been adequately reinforced, the needle is withdrawn and the incision closed. The procedure takes less than 1 hour total and the patient can go home immediately.
Risks of Vertebroplasty
There are some standard risks of
surgical complications,
such as bleeding or infection. There are also specific
risks
in this procedure that involve the PMMA cement. This material is not approved by the FDA. So far, no substance has passed federal safety testing for injection into a vertebral bone. There is a moderate risk of leakage of the cement, prior to it hardening. If it does leak, it can compress
spinal nerves,
causing serious neurological problems. It is also possible for the cement to get into the veins, causing heart or lung problems, or even death.
Recommendation for Vertebroplasty
This is an excellent minimally invasive procedure for correcting vertebral fractures. The success rate is close to 90%. This procedure is most often used when the fracture is small and contained. For more extensive fracture, or for fractures that have caused collapse of a spinal segment,
kyphoplasty
may be a better procedure. Obviously, consider all varieties of
back surgery
as a last resort and make sure to research the procedure and surgeon carefully to optimize the chances for a successful result.
Vertebroplasty to Back Pain Home
7/1/06 Revised 7/13/08
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