What is the Current Treatment Method for Vertebral Compression Fractures?
Historically, patients with compression fractures were treated with strong pain medications, prolonged bed-rest, external bracing, or invasive spine surgery. These treatments are limited by long recovery times and disruption of daily life. Vertebroplasty is an alternative option to failed conservative treatment. Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Vertebroplasty is a relatively new, minimally-invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists, neuroradiologists, and spine surgeons. A percutaneous procedure refers to one done through a small incision in the skin. Vertebroplasty is a technique to strengthen and repair the weakened bone of the vertebrae. Vertebroplasty has been shown to: • Significantly reduce or eliminate pain in up to 90% of patients • Prevent old compression fractures from further collapse • Have a short recovery time • Reduce spinal deformity • Stop the “downward spiral” of untreated osteoporosis • Provide the patient with an early return to daily activities • Be cos
