A safe and effective treatment for the pain associated with compression fractures of the spinal vertebrae can be achieved by a procedure called perctuaneous vertebroplasty.

The typical indications for the procedure are patients with acute or subacute vertebral fracture not responding to medical pain management. Also, patients who cannot tolerate pain medications due to gastrointestinal complications or allergies are appropriate candidates.

Painful fractures due to metastatic tumor within vertebrae can also be treated with this technique.

Performed in the radiology suite, the procedure involves placement of a needle into the fractured bone, then injecting a special cement to stabilize the bone. This results in reduced pain.

Procedures can be scheduled by referring physicians through St. Mary’s Hospital at 258-6933.

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Painful acute fracture identified (asterisk)

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Vertebroplasty procedure: Introducer needle injects cement into vertebra.

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Excellent result post vertebroplasty. Patient no longer requiring pain medication soon after procedure.

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