Vertebroplasty

Who Might Benefit from Vertebroplasty?

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Vertebroplasty is suitable for patients who have:

• Persistent back pain from a recent vertebral compression fracture confirmed on imaging (MRI, CT or bone scan)

• Osteoporotic or traumatic fractures not improving with rest, bracing, and medication​

• Fractures due to metastatic or myeloma-related bone disease

• Limited mobility or reduced quality of life due to spinal pain

Vertebroplasty is not suitable for chronic, long-healed fractures, spinal infections, or patients with uncorrected bleeding disorders.

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How the Procedure Works

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Vertebroplasty is performed under local anaesthetic and light sedation in a sterile angiography suite or CT room.
Using fluoroscopy or CT guidance, a fine needle is inserted through the skin into the fractured vertebra. Medical bone cement (usually polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA) is then carefully injected to stabilise the fracture.
The cement hardens within minutes, restoring strength to the vertebra and reducing movement at the fracture site, which alleviates pain

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Benefits of Vertebroplasty

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• Rapid pain relief, often within 1 to 2 days

• Improved mobility and function

• Reduced dependence on pain medications

• Short recovery time - most patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay

• Improved overall quality of life

Studies have shown vertebroplasty to be an effective option for selected patients with acute vertebral fractures who do not respond to conservative treatment.

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Risks and Possible Complications

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Vertebroplasty is a safe procedure when performed by experienced interventional radiologists. However, as with any procedure, there are small risks, including:

• Cement leakage outside the bone (usually without symptoms)

• Infection at the injection site

• Bleeding or nerve irritation

• Allergic reaction to medications or cement

• Rarely, pulmonary embolism from cement migration

Your interventional radiologist will discuss these risks with you and ensure all precautions are taken to minimise them.

 

Before the Procedure

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Before scheduling vertebroplasty, you may need:

• MRI or CT scan to confirm that the fracture is recent and correlates with your pain

• Blood tests to check your clotting and general health

• Medication review, particularly if you are taking blood thinners

You will receive detailed instructions on fasting, medications, and what to bring on the day. Informed consent will be obtained, and your questions will be addressed before proceeding.

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During the Procedure

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• The procedure is performed in an angiography suite under local anaesthetic and sedation

• You will lie face down while the interventional radiologist guides a fine needle into the fractured vertebra using X-ray imaging

• The bone cement is then slowly injected to fill and stabilise the fracture

• The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of vertebrae treated.

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After the Procedure and Recovery

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• You will be observed for several hours after the procedure while the cement sets and sedation wears off

• Most patients notice significant pain reduction within 24 to 48 hours

• You may walk and perform light activities the next day, avoiding heavy lifting for about a week

• A follow-up appointment or phone review is usually arranged within a few weeks.

If new or worsening pain develops, or if there are symptoms such as numbness, fever, or shortness of breath, you should contact your doctor immediately.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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How soon will I feel better after Vertebroplasty?

 

​Many patients experience noticeable pain relief within the first 24 to 48 hours, though improvement can continue over several days.

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Will the fracture heal after Vertebroplasty?

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The cement stabilises the bone, allowing natural healing and preventing further collapse. The treated vertebra remains strong long-term.

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Can I get another fracture later?

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Yes, patients with osteoporosis remain at risk of new fractures in adjacent vertebrae. Ongoing osteoporosis management is essential.

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Can Vertebroplasty be repeated?

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Yes, if new symptomatic fractures occur, repeat treatment can be performed safely.

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For Referring Doctors

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Indications:

 

• The fracture is in the thoracolumbar spinal segment T11, T12, L1 or L2 and is osteoporotic in origin. 

• Severe pain (numeric rating ≥ 7/10) must be present. 

• Symptoms must be poorly controlled by opiate analgesia. 

• Pain duration should be three weeks or less. 

• Imaging evidence of an acute vertebral fracture is required (MRI preferred, or SPECT-CT if MRI unavailable).

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Contraindications:

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• Uncorrected coagulopathy

• Infection (systemic or local)

• Spinal canal compromise with neurological deficit

• Chronic, healed fractures

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Pre-procedure workup:

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• MRI to confirm acuity and exclude canal compromise

• Recent coagulation profile

• Review of anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy​​​​​​

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Preparation and Referral

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If you would like to refer to an Interventional Radiologist for consideration of Vertebroplasty, please send a referral for consultation, including the following:
•    Clinical notes, relevant imaging, and recent pathology
•    Records of consultation with other doctors & specialists, and surgical history

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Vertebroplasty procedures are performed at most of our public and private hospital locations in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 

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Vertebroplasty content by Dr Tuan Phan.