Why vertebroplasty is done?

Vertebroplasty is done in the following indications.

• Osteoporotic compression fractures of the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae, not responding to medical management. 

• Osteolytic metastatic vertebral fracture.

• Vertebral fracture in Multiple myelomas.

• Vertebral hemangiomas 
   

How long does a vertebroplasty procedure take? 

It depends upon the number of vertebrae needs to be fixed. A single level usually takes 45 mins to 60 mins. 

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What are the complications of vertebroplasty?

• Hemorrhage - To prevent hemorrhage in the region, applying pressure and cold packs after the procedure may be helpful.

• Infection - prophylactic antibiotics are usually administered to prevent this.

• Cement extrusion, leakage - Anterior leakage is more common but it does not produce any clinical symptom, Leakage of cement into the epidural space may compress the spinal cord and/or nerve roots leading to paralysis, this condition required urgent surgical decompression. 

• Pulmonary embolism with bone cement. 

• Fracture of lamina, pedicle. 

• Rib fracture

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