Vertebroplasty in Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA
If you are experiencing severe, sudden back pain or limited mobility due to a spinal compression fracture, vertebroplasty may provide effective, rapid pain relief. At Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA, our spine specialists offer advanced, minimally invasive vertebroplasty procedures designed to stabilize fractured vertebrae and reduce chronic pain caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or spinal tumors. Patients throughout Sebring, Winter Haven, and surrounding Central Florida communities trust our experienced orthopedic team for comprehensive spine care focused on restoring function, improving posture, and helping them return to their daily activities with greater comfort.
What is Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed to reduce or eliminate pain caused by a vertebral compression fracture. It stabilizes the fracture and prevents further collapse of the vertebra, averting deformity.
Disease Overview
Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease characterized by the weakening of bones, making them more susceptible to fractures, typically in the hip and spine. Elderly people and especially post-menopausal women are at greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
The mid to lower back area of the spine is mainly involved in weight-bearing, making these regions of spine more prone to collapse when bone weakness is present. This can lead to spinal (vertebral) compression fractures. Many of these vertebral compression fractures occur by minimal trauma or by no trauma at all. They can even occur while performing simple activities, like bending or twisting.
Symptoms range from severe pain in the back, arms, and legs to no pain at all. You may believe that your back pain is just a part of aging, letting these vertebral compression fractures go undiagnosed. However, a single vertebral fracture significantly increases your risk of further fractures. When multiple fractures occur, it causes the spine to become rounded and bend forward, resulting in loss of height and a hunchback appearance. This forward curvature of the spine negatively affects the quality of life and makes it more difficult for you to breathe, eat, walk, or sleep. Vertebral compression fractures can also occur from conditions such as a metastatic tumor, multiple myeloma, and vertebral hemangioma.
Contraindications of Vertebroplasty
The procedure cannot be performed under the following situations:
- A compression fracture is stable and does not cause any pain
- A fractured fragment or tumor is present in the spinal canal
- Presence of a bone infection or bleeding disorder
Vertebroplasty Procedure
- The vertebroplasty procedure involves the injection of bone cement into the fractured vertebra under high pressure.
- The procedure is performed under general or local anesthesia. You will be lying face down on the operating table.
- Your doctor will make a very small 1/2-inch incision on the skin over the fracture site. Under live X-ray guidance, a hollow needle called a trocar is introduced through the back and positioned within the fractured vertebrae.
- Next, bone cement is injected into the area through the trocar under high pressure.
- After the vertebral body is filled completely with the bone cement, the needle is withdrawn before the cement hardens.
X-rays or CT scans may be taken to confirm the effective spread of the bone cement into the fractured vertebra. The skin incision is closed using steri-strips.
Risks and Complications of Vertebroplasty
As with any surgery, some risks can occur. General complications include bleeding, infection, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia. The specific complications following a thoracic vertebroplasty include leakage of the bone cement into the surrounding soft tissues or veins, and damage to the spinal cord or spinal nerves, leading to numbness or paralysis.
Why Choose Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA for Vertebroplasty?
Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA is dedicated to providing specialized spine care for patients suffering from painful vertebral compression fractures. Our experienced specialists utilize advanced fluoroscopic imaging and minimally invasive techniques to perform vertebroplasty with precision and safety. We understand the debilitating impact of spinal fractures and develop individualized treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific condition and health goals. From accurate diagnosis to comprehensive post-procedural care, our team is committed to delivering exceptional patient-centered treatments designed to alleviate pain and enhance quality of life.
Vertebroplasty FAQs
What is vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive spine procedure used to stabilize a fractured vertebra. It involves injecting a specialized medical-grade bone cement directly into the fractured bone to provide structural support and relieve pain.
What conditions does vertebroplasty treat?
Vertebroplasty is primarily used to treat vertebral compression fractures often caused by osteoporosis, physical trauma, or certain spinal tumors that weaken the bone.
How is vertebroplasty different from kyphoplasty?
In vertebroplasty, bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it. Kyphoplasty involves an additional step where a small balloon is inflated inside the bone to restore its height before the cement is injected.
How long does the vertebroplasty procedure take?
The procedure generally takes about one hour per treated vertebra and is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning most patients return home the same day.
How quickly will I experience pain relief?
Many patients experience significant relief from their fracture-related back pain within hours of the procedure as the bone cement hardens and stabilizes the spine.
What is the recovery time after vertebroplasty?
Recovery is usually rapid. Patients are generally encouraged to begin walking shortly after the procedure and can often resume normal light activities within a day or two. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercises should be avoided for a few weeks as advised by your physician.
Are there risks associated with vertebroplasty?
While vertebroplasty is considered a safe and effective procedure, potential risks may include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or the leakage of bone cement into surrounding tissues. Your spine specialist will thoroughly discuss these risks during your consultation.
Schedule a Vertebroplasty Consultation in Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA
If debilitating back pain from a spinal compression fracture is affecting your quality of life, the spine specialists at Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA can help. Contact Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA today to schedule a consultation and find out if vertebroplasty is the right treatment for your condition. Our experienced orthopedic team proudly serves patients throughout Sebring, Winter Haven, and surrounding Central Florida communities with advanced, minimally invasive spine solutions focused on rapid pain relief and improved mobility.
For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us at or click here to request an appointment online. We’ll respond to you as soon as possible.
