Vertebroplasty

What is vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat painful spinal compression fractures. These fractures often occur when weakened bones in the spine, commonly caused by osteoporosis, cancer, or trauma, collapse and put pressure on surrounding structures.

During vertebroplasty, a special medical cement is injected into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it, relieve pain, and restore mobility.

Conditions treated with vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty is most often recommended for:

• Osteoporotic compression fractures (caused by bone thinning)
• Spinal fractures from trauma
• Fractures caused by cancer that has spread to the spine
• Chronic spinal fractures that have not healed with conservative treatments

Signs & symptoms of compression fractures

You may be a candidate for vertebroplasty if you are experiencing:

• Sudden or severe back pain
• Pain that worsens when standing or walking but improves when lying down
• Loss of height or a stooped posture
• Limited mobility due to pain

How vertebroplasty works

• The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and sedation.
• Using a small needle guided by X-ray imaging, the surgeon injects bone cement into the fractured vertebra.
• The cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the bone and preventing further collapse.
• The procedure usually takes less than one hour, and most patients go home the same day.

Benefits of vertebroplasty

• Rapid pain relief, often within 24–48 hours
• Improved mobility and function
• Stabilization of the spine to prevent further collapse
• Outpatient procedure with a short recovery time

Recovery after vertebroplasty

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days after the procedure. General recovery guidelines include:

• Avoiding heavy lifting for the first week
• Gradually resuming normal activities as tolerated
• Following up with your doctor to monitor bone health and prevent future fractures

Why choose Iowa Ortho for vertebroplasty

• Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons with expertise in spine procedures
• State-of-the-art imaging for precise and safe treatment
• Comprehensive care, including diagnosis, conservative treatment, and surgical options
• A patient-first approach focused on pain relief, safety, and mobility

Request an appointment

If you are suffering from painful spinal compression fractures, vertebroplasty may provide lasting relief.

Call Iowa Ortho at 515-247-8400 or request an appointment online today.