Vertebroplasty has been shown to:
• Prevent compression fractures from further collapse
• Significantly stabilizes painful vertebral compression
fractures in over 90% of patients treated**
• Require a short recovery time
• Provide the patient with an early return to
daily activities

“ With Vertebroplasty I have been able to live free from
back pain. I can swim, walk and resume my normal
activities—which were not possible until now.”
— Joyce Paxton, patient

About Compression Fractures
Vertebrae are the bones of the back, which join
together to make up the spinal column. In a
compression fracture of the vertebrae, the bone
tissue of the vertebral body collapses. More than
one vertebra may be affected. This condition is
commonly caused by osteoporosis and less often
by tumor, or trauma to the back.

When the fracture occurs as a result of osteoporosis,
the vertebrae in the thoracic (chest) and lower spine
are usually affected, and symptoms may become
worse with walking.

With multiple fractures,
kyphosis, a forward
hump-like curvature of the
spine, may result. Pressure
on the spinal cord may
occur producing
symptoms of numbness,
tingling, or weakness.

Symptoms depend upon
the area of the back that is
affected. In some cases, the
fracture heals without
treatment and the pain
goes away. In others, the bone does not stabilize and
continues to move, causing persistent pain that in turn
limits physical activities and reduces independence.

Treating Vertebral Compression Fractures
Historically, patients with compression fractures have
been treated with conservative treatment including
strong pain medications, prolonged bed-rest, or external
bracing. These treatments can result in long recovery
times and disruption of daily life. Vertebroplasty is an
option to failed conservative treatment for vertebral
compression fractures.

This minimally invasive procedure is performed
by specialists including interventional radiologists,
neuroradiologists, surgeons and pain management
physicians using x-ray guidance to accurately place
specially formulated acrylic bone cement. Read
“How the procedure works” for more details.

Osteoporosis
Often called the “silent disease” because bone loss occurs
without symptoms, osteoporosis is characterized by
deterioration of bone tissue, leading to bone fragility
and an increased susceptibility to fractures of the hip,
spine and wrist. People may not know that they have
osteoporosis until their bones become so weak that
a sudden strain, bump or fall causes a vertebra to
collapse causing significant pain and subsequently
the loss of movement.

Facts about Osteoporosis:
• Causes more than 1.5 million fractures;
approximately 700,000 of these are vertebral
compression fractures.*
• Major public health threat for 44 million
Americans, 80 percent of whom are women.*
• One in two women age 50 or older can be
expected to suffer an osteoporotic fracture
in their remaining life.*
* From Disease Statistics “Fast Facts,” published by the National Osteoporosis Foundation,
June 2004.

During the Procedure
Vertebroplasty requires that you lie on your stomach
through the entire procedure, which is performed
under local anesthesia and light sedation. A small nick
is then made in the skin near the spine, and a needle is
inserted. Biocompatible bone cement will be injected
through the needle and into the vertebral body.
The needle is removed and the cement is allowed to
harden. The small opening is covered with a bandage.
This procedure can take from 1-2 hours (depending
on how many vertebrae are treated).

After the Procedure
You will be required to remain for observation for
one to two hours. Typically, patients are then released
to go home and resume normal activities within
24-48 hours. In most cases, pain caused by vertebral
compression fractures will be gone or diminished
within 48 hours. You might experience some
discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted.

What are the Risks of Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty has a strong safety profile that involves
some risks. Complications are rare, but these should be
discussed with your doctor.

For additional information including
a local list of doctors performing
percutaneous vertebroplasty visit:
www.vertebroplasty.com