How does it work?
Vertebroplasty involves injecting a cement mixture into the small
holes in weakened vertebra to strengthen the spinal bones making them
less likely to fracture again and to provide pain relief.
Using image-guidance, a hollow needle called a trocar is passed through the skin into the vertebral bone and a cement mixture is then injected into the vertebra.
How is the procedure performed?
Image-guided, minimally invasive procedures such as vertebroplasty are most often performed by a specially trained interventional radiologist in an interventional radiology suite or occasionally in the operating room.
This procedure is often done on an outpatient basis.
Vertebroplasty is generally performed in the morning.
You will be positioned lying face down for the procedure.
You will be connected to monitors that track your heart rate, blood pressure and pulse during the procedure.
A nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous
(IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm so that sedative medication
can be given intravenously. You may also receive general anesthesia.
You may be given medications to help prevent nausea and pain, and antibiotics to help prevent infection.
The area where the hollow needle will be inserted will be shaved, sterilized and covered with a surgical drape.A local anesthetic will be injected into the muscles near the site of the fracture.
A very small nick is made in the skin at the site.
Using x-ray
guidance, a hollow needle called a trocar is passed through the spinal
muscles until its tip is precisely positioned within the fractured
vertebra. An examination called intraosseous venography
may be performed to make sure the needle has reached a safe spot within
the fractured bone. Once the needle is in the proper location, the
orthopedic cement is injected. Medical-grade cement hardens quickly
within 20 minutes.
A CT scan may be performed at the end of the procedure to check the distribution of the cement.
The tiny incision will be closed with a strip of tape and covered with a bandage.You will remain in the recovery room for an hour following the procedure.
This procedure is usually completed within two hours. The procedure will take longer if more than one site is being treated.
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