If you’re suffering from persistent spinal pain caused by a compression fracture, you know how much it can interfere with your daily life. Simple tasks like walking, standing, or even getting out of bed can become extremely difficult. At Impact Medical Group, we offer advanced, minimally invasive procedures to help restore your quality of life. One such procedure is vertebroplasty surgery, a safe and effective treatment designed to stabilize fractured vertebrae and relieve spinal pain, including fractures resulting from injuries such as car accidents.
What Is Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), most commonly caused by osteoporosis, spinal tumors, or trauma. In a vertebral compression fracture, one or more bones in the spine (vertebrae) become weakened or fractured, resulting in significant pain and reduced mobility.
During vertebroplasty, medical-grade bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra to stabilize the bone, reduce pain, and prevent further collapse. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and requires only local anesthesia or mild sedation, which makes it a suitable option for many patients, including those who may not be candidates for open surgery.
Who Is a Candidate for Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty may be recommended for patients who:
- Have persistent and severe back pain due to a vertebral compression fracture
- Have not responded to conservative treatments like bed rest, medications, or physical therapy
- Suffer from osteoporosis-related fractures
- Experience pain from a spinal tumor or trauma-related vertebral collapse
Your healthcare provider at Impact Medical Group will conduct a thorough evaluation, including imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, or CT scans, to determine whether vertebroplasty is appropriate for your condition.
We Are
Impact Medical Group
Impact Medical Group provides advanced orthopedic surgical care to help patients restore mobility and live pain-free.
Our expert team specializes in spine, ankle, elbow, knee, hip, shoulder, hand, and wrist procedures, as well as fracture treatment, articular cartilage restoration, and joint replacement. We focus on personalized solutions and leading techniques to deliver the best possible outcomes.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The vertebroplasty procedure is usually completed in under an hour. Here’s what you can typically expect:
1. Preparation
The patient lies face down on a special table. The area of the spine being treated is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Mild sedation may also be administered to help you relax.
2. Guided Insertion:
Using real-time imaging (fluoroscopy), the physician inserts a small needle through the skin and into the affected vertebra.
3. Injection
A special bone cement is carefully injected into the fractured vertebra. The cement quickly hardens, stabilizing the bone and helping to relieve pain.
4. Recovery
After the cement is set, the needle is removed, and the site is bandaged. Most patients can go home the same day, usually within a few hours.
Recovery and Results
Most patients report significant pain relief within 24 to 48 hours of the procedure. Because vertebroplasty stabilizes the fracture, it allows patients to return to normal activities much faster than traditional conservative treatments.
Although some soreness at the injection site may occur, it typically resolves within a few days. Your provider may recommend light activity for the first 24 hours and gradually increase movement based on your comfort level.
Physical therapy or follow-up care may also be suggested to strengthen your spine, improve posture, and reduce the risk of future fractures.
Benefits of Vertebroplasty
- Minimally invasive: No large incisions or lengthy hospital stays
- Rapid pain relief: Many patients experience relief within days
- Outpatient procedure: Return home the same day
- Improved mobility: Reduces reliance on pain medication and improves overall function
- Effective for trauma-related fractures: Including those caused by injuries from car accidents
- Low risk of complications: Particularly when performed by experienced specialists
Is Vertebroplasty Safe?
When performed by skilled medical professionals like the team at Impact Medical Group, vertebroplasty is considered a safe and effective procedure. As with any medical treatment, there are potential risks, including infection, bleeding, allergic reactions, or cement leakage. However, these complications are rare, especially when proper imaging and technique are used.
Our providers are highly trained in minimally invasive spinal procedures and will take every precaution to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the process.
Why Choose Impact Medical Group?
At Impact Medical Group, we are committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care using the latest in medical technology. Our team works closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at relieving pain and improving quality of life.
If you or a loved one is struggling with spinal pain due to a compression fracture, vertebroplasty may offer the relief you need without the downtime of traditional surgery.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Don’t let back pain limit your life. Contact Impact Medical Group to find out if vertebroplasty surgery is right for you. Our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery.
