Vertebroplasty | Interventional Spine
Vertebroplasty
Pain relief may be closer than you think
Vertebroplasty is an established treatment option for vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Over a decade of clinical studies have demonstrated positive outcomes for patients.1-5
Vertebroplasty involves bone cement being injected into the fractured vertebra to help stabilize and strengthen it, which may help relieve pain.11
How it works
Before the procedure
A doctor will do a physical exam and order x-rays and/or other imaging tests such as an MRI, CT or bone scan. These tests help determine the location of the fractured vertebra, how recently it occurred and whether vertebroplasty is the most appropriate treatment.
During the procedure
Generally, vertebroplasty is performed while you are awake but sedated; your back is numbed by a local anesthetic. Using x-ray guidance, a needle is inserted into the fractured vertebra through a small incision. The vertebra is filled with bone cement to stabilize the fracture. As it hardens, the cement forms an internal cast that holds the vertebra in place. The incision is covered with a bandage.
After the procedure
You will lie on your back for a short period of time while the cement continues to harden. Vital signs are monitored. Typically, you can go home within a few hours of treatment.11 If you notice any signs of wound infection, bleeding, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
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Potential risks of the procedure
Serious side effects have been known to occur with the use of bone cement in surgical procedures of the spine. These include heart attack, cardiac arrest (heart stops beating), stroke, embolism (blood clot or bone cement that moves to the heart or lungs) or death. Side effects may occur up to one year after the procedure.12,13
Please consult with your doctor for the full list of possible side effects related to the use of bone cement.
*1 day post-operatively
†At least 1 year post vertebroplasty
The information presented is for educational purposes only. Stryker is not dispensing medical advice. Please speak to your doctor to decide what course of treatment is right for you. Only your doctor can make the medical judgment regarding which products and treatment is right for you. Any medical procedure carries certain risks and your doctor will explain all possible complications and/or side effects. Not all patients will experience the same results.
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- Clark W et al. Safety and efficacy of vertebroplasty for acute painful osteoporotic fractures (VAPOUR): A multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet. 2016; 388(10052):1408-1416.
- Chen D et al. Percutaneous vertebroplasty compared with conservative treatment in patients with chronic painful osteoporotic spinal fractures. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience. 2014; 21(3):473-477.
- Blasco J et al. Effect of vertebroplasty on pain relief, quality of life, and the incidence of new vertebral fractures: A 12-month randomized follow-up, controlled trial. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. 2012; 27(5):1159-1166.
- Farrokhi M et al. Randomized controlled trial of percutaneous vertebroplasty versus optimal medical management for the relief of pain and disability in acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. 2011; 14(5):561-569.
- Klazen C et al. Vertebroplasty versus conservative treatment in acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (Vertos II): An open-label randomised trial. Lancet. 2010; 376(9746):1085-1092.
- Siemionow K, Lieberman IH. Vertebral Augmentation in Osteoporotic and Osteolytic Fractures. Curr Opin Support Palliat Care. 2009 Sep;3(3):219-25.
- McKiernan F, Faciszewski T, Jensen R. Quality of life following vertebroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2004 Dec;86(12):2600-6.
- Klazen CA, Lohle PN, de Vries J, Jansen FH, Tielbeek AV, Blonk MC, Venmans A, van Rooij WJ, Schoemaker MC, Juttmann JR, Lo TH, Verhaar HJ, van der Graaf Y, van Everdingen KJ, Muller AF, Elgersma OE, Halkema DR, Fransen H, Janssens X, Buskens E, Mali WP. Vertebroplasty versus conservative treatment in acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (Vertos II): an open-label randomised trial. Lancet. 2010 Sep 25;376(9746):1085-92.
- Taylor RS, Taylor RJ, Fritzell P. Ballon kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures: A comparative systematic review of efficacy and safety. Spine. 2006 Nov 1;31(23):2747-55.
- Kochan, J. Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty, Percutaneous. eMedicine. July 25, 2013. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/423209-overview. Accessed August 29, 2013.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (n.d.). Vertebroplasty. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved on June 12, 2025 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/vertebroplasty/about/pac-20385207
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