There is new hope for patients who live with the pain and lifestyle restrictions caused by osteoporosis. A minimally invasive procedure called vertebroplasty can ease pain caused by tiny but painful cracks in the vertebrae related to osteoporosis.
What is Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis a progressive disease that weakens the bones of 10 million Americans, especially women age 60 years and older. Other risk factors include a smoking, lack of exercise, a low-calcium diet, anorexia or bulimia and family history of the disease. People with osteoporosis often suffer from painful fractures in the hip, waist, ribs or elsewhere, but the most common site for fractures is in the spine.
There is no cure for osteoporosis, although there are a number of medications and treatments approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that may prevent or treat the disease. For those who experience spinal fractures, vertebroplasty offers a safe, non-invasive way to alleviate spinal pain.
How Vertebroplasty Works
Vertebroplasty is an outpatient procedure that can take from one to two hours, depending on how many bones need to be repaired. In many cases, a local anesthesia, which only numbs the treated area, can be used; otherwise, a general anesthesia can be used.
During the procedure, an interventional radiologist uses an X-ray-guided needle to fill tiny fractures in the vertebrae with bone cement. Following treatment, 90% of patients feel significantly less pain and have improved mobility.
Most patients recover in just a few hours and can go home the same day, resuming their normal lives without dietary, bathing or activity restrictions.
Set Up Your Evaluation
For more information about vertebroplasty or to schedule a procedure, call Interventional Radiology at (773) 989-6242.
