Vertebroplasty

Exam Information

What is Vertebroplasty?

If a patient is a candidate for a Vertebroplasty procedure, our radiologists can provide the initial consultation, either at our Imaging Center or the hospital. Generally, the prospective patient will undergo preliminary imaging exams such as x-rays, MRI or CT scans to allow the radiologist to determine if vertebroplasty is a good option for the patient. Vertebroplasty is an interventional procedure performed by our radiologists in the hospital outpatient setting. It offers relief to patients suffering from prolonged and debilitating pain from compression fractures in the spinal vertebrae. The procedure involves injecting bone cement into the vertebrae to stabilize the fractures and results in significant pain relief and restoration of mobility in many patients. The procedure performed by our Radiologists at Rideout Memorial Hospital.

If a patient is a candidate for a Vertebroplasty procedure, our radiologists can provide the initial consultation at our Imaging Center. Generally, the prospective patient will undergo preliminary imaging exams such as x-rays, MRI or CT scans to allow the radiologist to determine if vertebroplasty is a good option for the patient.

For more information:

http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=vertebro

What to Expect

The procedure is outpatient based and is typically performed at Rideout Memorial Hospital, in the radiology department procedure room.  The patient lies face down on the examination table while a local anesthetic is used to numb the affected area of the patient’s spine. The radiologist then inserts one or two needles through a small incision in the patient’s skin. Under x-ray guidance, the radiologist inserts the needles into the fractured vertebra and slowly injects a small amount of bone cement into the vertebra. The bone cement hardens quickly. The patient is kept for observation for a few hours following the procedure. In rare cases, the patient is kept overnight for observation.