Vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty is a treatment used to relieve pain from certain fractures in the spine. It is most often used when a vertebra, the small bones that make up your backbone, has collapsed or cracked and causes ongoing pain. The procedure is minimally invasive, and it focuses on stabilizing the injured bone. At Princeton Orthopaedic Associates we explain the steps, risks, and recovery so you can make an informed choice. This page covers what vertebroplasty is, who may benefit, how the procedure is done, and what to expect afterward. If you have questions about whether this treatment is right for you, talk with your doctor.

Vertebroplasty Details

Vertebroplasty is a procedure that stabilizes a fractured vertebra by placing a medical filler into the weakened bone. The goal is to reduce pain and restore stability to the spine after a compression fracture. Compression fractures most often affect the vertebrae, which are bones, and they can be caused by weakened bone from osteoporosis, minor trauma in brittle bone, or less commonly by tumors. Vertebroplasty is usually recommended when pain from a recent fracture does not improve with conservative care such as pain medicine, rest, and physical therapy. It is also considered when pain is severe enough to limit daily activities and recovery. Vertebroplasty is not usually recommended when pain is due to long-standing changes without a clear fracture, or when noninvasive treatments are still controlling symptoms. Your care team will review your imaging and overall health to decide if vertebroplasty is appropriate for you.

How Vertebroplasty Is Performed

The procedure is most often done through a small needle placed through the skin into the broken vertebra. Imaging such as fluoroscopy or CT is used during the procedure to guide the needle and confirm correct placement. Once the needle is in place, a medical filler material is injected into the vertebra to fill cracks and stabilize the bone.

Vertebroplasty is minimally invasive, which means it uses a small opening and causes less tissue damage than open surgery. Because the incision is small and the approach is direct, many patients have less pain after the procedure and a shorter recovery time than after larger operations. The procedure is typically done as an outpatient treatment, so you may go home the same day unless your doctor decides you need observation.

Medical teams use sterile technique and imaging equipment to lower the risk of complications. You will receive anesthesia or sedation to keep you comfortable while the team places the needle and injects the filler. Your doctor will explain the type of anesthesia that best fits your health and the plan for the procedure.

Vertebroplasty Recovery Details

After vertebroplasty most patients notice pain relief within hours to days, although full benefit can take a few weeks. You will likely be observed for a short time after the procedure and then discharged with instructions about activity and wound care. Many people can resume light daily activities quickly, but heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for a time.

Recovery may include a short course of pain medicine and a gradual return to normal movement. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help improve strength, posture, and balance in the weeks after treatment. Factors that can lengthen recovery include other medical problems, multiple fractures, or complications such as infection or nerve irritation.

Benefits and Possible Risks

Primary benefits of vertebroplasty include reduced back pain, stabilization of the fractured vertebra, and the potential to return to normal activities sooner. Because it is minimally invasive, vertebroplasty often involves less recovery time than open spine surgery and a smaller incision. For many patients, the procedure improves comfort enough to allow participation in physical therapy and daily routines.

As with any procedure, vertebroplasty carries risks. These can include infection, bleeding, leakage of the filler material, nerve or blood vessel irritation, cement embolism (rare), persistent pain, or stiffness. Rarely, nerve injury or other complications may occur. Your doctor will discuss the risks that apply to your health and explain how they are managed.

Patient Guidance and Preparing for Treatment

Before vertebroplasty your care team will review your medical history and any medicines you take. You may be asked to stop certain blood-thinning medicines before the procedure. Do not change your medications without talking to the doctor who prescribed them.

Please note these are general instructions, and you should consult your doctor for advice specific to your situation. Arrange transportation for the day of the procedure because you may not be able to drive after sedation. Follow any fasting instructions if they are given.

During the first days after the procedure, expect to limit bending, twisting, and heavy lifting. Light walking and gentle movement help circulation and recovery. Your doctor will tell you when you can return to work and normal activity based on your job and how you feel.

Vertebroplasty Quick FAQs

Does vertebroplasty relieve pain quickly? Many patients feel reduced pain within hours to days, though full improvement can take weeks. Your care team at Princeton Orthopaedic Associates can explain the likely timing for your situation.

Is the procedure safe? Vertebroplasty is generally safe when done by an experienced team, but all procedures carry risks that your doctor will review with you. Any decision about treatment should weigh the expected benefits against potential risks and your overall health.