What is Vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat a compression fracture of the spinal vertebrae by restoring the strength and height of the collapsed bone. It is usually performed for patients with severe pain that disables them from normal functions, if the pain has lasted for more than 2 months.

Indications for vertebroplasty

Vertebroplasty is indicated for treating the symptoms and complications of compression fractures of the spine. These may be due to osteoporosis, which is the most common cause; cancerous deposits in the spine; or spinal injuries, among other causes.

To assess suitability of patients for the procedure, they undergo a clinical evaluation and a physical examination, followed by imaging tests such as spine X-rays, and various scanning techniques such as MRI, CT, or isotope bone scans. These may help to localize the fracture site, as well as distinguish old fractures from new.

The aim of vertebroplasty is to provide mechanical stability to the damaged vertebra by injecting bone cement into it through a needle. Bone cement is chemically called polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and it comes as a powder to which tantalum and barium sulfate is added to make it radio-opaque.

In most cases, vertebroplasty is carried out percutaneously, and is a minimally invasive procedure. It is performed as an outpatient procedure, under local anesthesia and image guidance.

Benefits

The benefits of vertebroplasty include relief from pain, as well as functional improvement, with better ability to carry out the activities of daily living and increased mobility.

Complications

Vertebroplasty may cause the usual complications that follow surgery, such as:

• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding and hematoma formation
• Allergic reactions to the anesthetics or other drugs used
• Cardiac arrest or arrhythmias
• Breathing abnormalities
• Specific complications include leakage of the bone cement into neighboring areas, causing irritation of the surrounding nerves and soft tissues. If it leaks into the venous system, pulmonary embolism may be the result.

References

• https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/007512.htm
• https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/technology-assessments-details.aspx?TAId=26&SearchType=Advanced&CoverageSelection=Both&NCSelection=NCA%7CCAL%7CNCD%7CMEDCAC%7CTA%7CMCD&ArticleType=Ed%7CKey%7CSAD%7CFAQ&PolicyType=Both&s=All&CntrctrType=1&KeyWord=health&KeyWordLookUp=Title&KeyWordSearchType=Exact&ICD=525.65&CptHcpcsCode=22222&DateTag=C&bc=AAAAABAAAAAA&