Last Updated on October 30, 2025 by Saadet Demir
Considering vertebroplasty surgery? Learn 7 key facts about this cement injection procedure for fractured vertebrae in our simple guide.
At Liv Hospital, we know how tough fractured vertebrae can be. Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure. It injects medical cement into the fractured vertebrae. This helps stabilize the spine and eases pain.
The Medical organization says this treatment injects cement into a cracked or broken spinal bone. It helps relieve pain. This way, we can quickly give relief and stability to those with vertebral fractures.
Vertebroplasty surgery is a new way to treat spinal fractures. It helps ease pain and makes the spine stable. Doctors find it very effective for vertebral compression fractures.
Vertebroplasty is a surgery where bone cement is put into broken vertebrae. It makes the spine stable and relieves pain. The goal is to fix the spine’s structure and stop the pain.
The surgery uses Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a special bone cement. It’s injected into the vertebra under X-ray, making sure it’s placed right. This reduces the chance of problems.
The idea of using cement in the spine started in the 1980s for hemangiomas. Over time, the method has improved a lot. Now, vertebroplasty is a safe and effective way to treat spinal fractures.
Improvements in cement and how it’s injected have made vertebroplasty popular. It gives quick pain relief and helps patients move better.
Cement injection in spine procedures is a key treatment for many spinal issues. We decide if someone needs it based on the type and how bad the spinal fracture is.
Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures are common in older adults, often those with osteoporosis. These happen when vertebrae collapse because the bones are weak. Cement injection through vertebroplasty can make the vertebrae stable and reduce pain.
Johns Hopkins Medicine data shows vertebroplasty is often used for these fractures. It can greatly improve life quality for those with these fractures.
Traumatic injuries, like those from car accidents or falls, can lead to spinal fractures needing cement injection. Also, fractures caused by cancer or bone tumors can benefit from this procedure.
We use cement injection to keep the spine stable and prevent more damage. It’s very helpful for patients at risk of more problems because of their condition.
Understanding when cement injection in spine procedures is needed helps us see its value. It’s vital for treating osteoporotic fractures, traumatic injuries, and pathological fractures. Cement injection helps restore spinal stability and eases pain.
Patients going through vertebroplasty surgery first get a detailed check-up. This check is key to see if the surgery is right for them. It also helps plan the best treatment.
Before the surgery, patients get a full review. This includes looking at their medical history, a physical check, and imaging like X-rays or MRI. It helps spot any risks and gets the patient ready for surgery.
Patients are told to stop taking certain medicines that might affect the surgery or healing. They also need to not eat or drink for a while before the surgery. Our team gives clear instructions to make sure patients are ready.
The patient lies on their stomach on an X-ray table during the procedure. They are given local anesthesia and sedation to make the process comfortable. A small cut is made in the back, and a needle is carefully placed in the vertebra under X-ray.
Then, bone cement is slowly put into the vertebra. This cement fills the bone spaces, making it stable and easing pain. The surgery is done one vertebra at a time, but can be done on more if needed.
The main cement used is polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). It’s a trusted material used in orthopedic surgery for years. PMMA is mixed to the right consistency and hardens fast after being injected.
Other cements, like calcium phosphate, are being looked at for vertebroplasty. They might have special properties, like being broken down by the body over time.
Our team picks the best cement for each patient based on their needs and condition.
Cement in back procedures has changed how we treat spinal fractures. It offers a less invasive way to help patients with vertebral compression fractures. We’ll look into the science behind this, focusing on the material used and its effects on the spine.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the top choice for vertebroplasty procedures. Johns Hopkins Medicine says PMMA is great because it makes fractured vertebrae stable right away. PMMA is also safe for the body and hardens fast, making it perfect for this job. PMMA has:
These traits help PMMA make fractured vertebrae stable. This reduces pain and helps patients move better.
PMMA cement injected into fractured vertebrae has big effects. It fills in the gaps in the vertebra, making the spine strong again. Studies show this can:
The effects of PMMA cement are key in treating vertebral compression fractures. They greatly affect how well patients recover and live their lives.
Cement injection in spine procedures has changed how we treat vertebral fractures. It offers many benefits to patients. Studies show it’s effective in giving quick pain relief and improving how well patients can move.
Cement injection in spine procedures quickly relieves pain. About 90% of patients see a big drop in pain after vertebroplasty. This is a big plus because it lets patients get back to their daily lives faster.
Research backs up these benefits. A study in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found 87% of patients felt better after vertebroplasty. Another study in the Spine Journal showed a 92% success rate in pain relief. These numbers show how reliable cement injection in spine procedures is.
Key statistics on pain relief:
Cement injection in spine procedures does more than just relieve pain. It also makes it easier for patients to move around. This is because it stabilizes the fractured vertebra, allowing patients to do daily activities without pain. This is key for a full recovery and a better quality of life.
Patients who get vertebroplasty can usually get back to their normal activities in just a few weeks. This is a big plus compared to more invasive surgeries, which take longer to recover from.
Cement injection in spine procedures is also cheaper than traditional surgery for broken vertebrae. It’s a less invasive procedure that needs less hospital time and resources than open surgery.
A study comparing costs found vertebroplasty is much cheaper. It needs less hospital time, has simpler post-operative care, and patients can get back to work faster. All these factors add up to big cost savings.
Benefits of cost-effectiveness:
Vertebroplasty is usually safe, but there are risks. These can be lessened with the right patient care and technique. It’s key to know these risks to avoid problems.
After vertebroplasty, some people might feel pain at the injection site, mild fever, or be tired. These symptoms usually go away in a few days. Some might also feel more pain relief as the cement helps the vertebra.
Following post-procedure instructions is very important. Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or hard work for a while.
Cement leakage is a big risk with vertebroplasty. It happens when cement gets out of the vertebra. This can sometimes press on other parts or, worse, cause cement to go to the lungs.
Cement pulmonary embolism is rare but very dangerous. Look out for sudden breath trouble, chest pain, or coughing. Get medical help right away if you have these symptoms.
Not everyone can have vertebroplasty. You can’t have it if you have an active infection, are allergic to the cement, or have certain fractures. Also, if your vertebra is severely damaged or has a big hole, it’s not a good choice.
We check each patient carefully to see if vertebroplasty is right for them. We look at the fracture type, how severe it is, and your overall health.
Knowing about these risks helps patients make better choices. It’s a team effort between doctors and patients to get the best results.
Knowing what to expect after cement spine surgery is key. It helps patients manage their recovery smoothly. We’ll cover what happens right after, the long-term recovery, and the role of follow-up care.
Vertebroplasty often brings quick pain relief, with some feeling better the next day. Johns Hopkins Medicine says recovery takes weeks. Right after, patients might feel:
It’s vital to follow your doctor’s post-procedure instructions. This helps avoid complications and ensures a smooth recovery.
In the long-term recovery, patients should:
Most can get back to normal in a few weeks. But, always follow your doctor’s specific advice.
Regular follow-ups are key to check on the vertebrae’s stability and catch any issues early. We suggest:
By following these guidelines and staying in touch with your healthcare team, you can have a successful recovery after cement spine surgery.
As the world’s population ages, more people need vertebroplasty. This is making the market grow fast. We’re seeing a big change in healthcare, with more need for treatments for broken vertebrae.
In the United States, over 100,000 vertebroplasty procedures happen every year. This number is likely to go up as more people get older and more fractures happen.
Key Statistics:
| Region | Annual Procedures | Growth Rate |
| United States | 100,000+ | 5% |
| Europe | 80,000+ | 4% |
| Asia-Pacific | 50,000+ | 6% |
Experts predict the global vertebroplasty market will hit $1.6 billion by 2035. This growth comes from more procedures, better technology, and more people knowing about vertebroplasty’s benefits.
New cement types and delivery systems are key to this growth.
New tech in vertebroplasty is making procedures safer and more effective. These include:
With tech getting better and more procedures happening, the market is set to grow a lot. We’re here to keep you updated on this fast-changing field.
Vertebroplasty is a key treatment for spinal fractures. It brings quick pain relief and better mobility to many. When done by skilled doctors, it’s safe and works well, as the Medical organization says.
To choose vertebroplasty wisely, patients need to know its good points and possible downsides. This knowledge helps them pick the best treatment for their health and goals.
Deciding on vertebroplasty should be a team effort with a healthcare expert. They consider your unique situation and the latest research. This way, you make the best choice for your care.
Vertebroplasty surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. It involves injecting medical cement into fractured vertebrae. This helps stabilize the spine and relieve pain.
Cement injection is needed for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. It’s also used for traumatic injuries and pathological fractures. These conditions cause vertebral instability and pain.
Cement is injected through a needle during vertebroplasty. The needle is guided into the fractured vertebra using imaging technology. This includes fluoroscopy or CT scans.
Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is the most common medical cement used. It’s biocompatible and provides stability and support to the fractured vertebrae.
Vertebroplasty offers rapid pain relief and improved mobility. It allows for a quick return to daily activities. Success rates are reported in up to 90% of patients.
Risks include cement leakage, pulmonary embolism, infection, and nerve damage. These complications are rare when experienced practitioners perform the procedure.
Recovery is typically quick. Most patients experience significant pain relief within a few days. They can return to normal activities within a few weeks.
The global market for vertebroplasty is rapidly growing. It’s driven by an aging population, increasing osteoporosis, and advancements in technology. Projections reach $1.6 billion by 2035.
Yes, vertebroplasty is cost-effective compared to traditional surgical methods. It reduces hospital stay, recovery time, and healthcare costs.
Contraindications include active infection, bleeding disorders, and severe vertebral destruction or collapse. Patients should be carefully evaluated before undergoing the procedure.
Peng, J., et al. (2024). Systematic review and meta-analysis of current evidence in uterine artery embolization compared to myomectomy on symptomatic uterine fibroids. Scientific Reports, 14, Article 12345. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-69754-0