NORMAL ANATOMY
The spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) separated by soft cushions (intervertebral discs).
INDICATION
Vertebral fractures occur in thousands of people each year. The main cause of these fractures is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes bone to lose strength and become weak and susceptible to fractures.
PROCEDURE
Using a special x-ray machine, a bone needle is guided through the skin and into the fractured vertebra. A cement-like material called polymethylmethacrylate acrylic cement (PMMA) is injected into the vertebra. The needle is removed and the cement hardens, stabilizing the vertebra.
AFTERCARE
Vertebroplasty is a relatively new procedure. It helps to stabilize the vertebral fracture which in turn helps reduce or eliminate the patient's pain.
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