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Percutaneous Vertebroplasty
Overview
Percutaneous Vertebroplasty
Percutaneous Vertebroplasty is a procedure that helps relieve pain associated with compression fractures of the vertebral body, a thick block of bone located on the front of each spine vertebra. Osteoporosis, a disease that attacks bone and causes the spine to weaken and become brittle is one of the primary causes of compression fractures. The vertebral body becomes so thin that it can break from simple movements such as twisting, bending, and even coughing. The term “percutaneous” means injecting a fluid through a needle. “Plasty” means to mold or form. Thus, vertebroplasty helps mold the vertebrae by injecting a fluid into the bone.
In this case, the doctor injects a bone cement mixture of polymethylmethacrylate (the same cement used in joint replacement surgery), barium or tantalum powder (makes the cement visible on X-ray), an antibiotic, and a solvent into the vertebral body. The cement will harden, strengthen and stabilize the vertebra, and prevent further collapse. In addition to relieving pain, those vertebrae that are weakened but not yet fractured, can be strengthened, thus preventing future problems. Most patients report pain relief within 24 to 72 hours and between 70% and 80% have sustained pain relief.
Percutaneous Vertebroplasty
Procedure Details
Normally, percutaneous vertebroplasty is performed with numbing medicine (local anesthesia) and other medication to keep you comfortable. Under special circumstances, the doctor may recommend that you go to sleep. How long will the procedure take? Percutaneous vertebroplasty usually takes no more than one hour.
Procedure Overview
Percutaneous vertebroplasty is an outpatient procedure performed in the operating room or a special procedure room. When brought to the operating or special procedure room, you are connected to monitoring equipment (EKG monitor, blood pressure cuff, and a blood-oxygen monitoring device), and positioned on your stomach. The doctor or nurse will start an intravenous line and give some medicine to help you relax. Your back is cleansed with an antiseptic soap after which the doctor injects numbing medicine deep into your skin and tissue.
This will cause a burning sensation for a few seconds. A special bone needle is inserted into the vertebral body. With the assistance of a special X-ray machine called a fluoroscope, the doctor injects a radiopaque dye (contrast solution) to verify location of the needle. When the needle is in the correct position, the doctor will inject the cement mixture. During this time, you will not feel pain but you may feel some pressure. After the procedure, you will continue lying on your stomach for an hour or two. We ask that you remain at the Clinic until the doctor feels you are ready to leave.