Osteoporosis, a disease currently effecting 10 million Americans, is the demineralization of bone tissue in the body, leading to bone fragility and an increased risk of fractures. This loss of bone tissue occurs without symptoms, therefore people don't know they have osteoporosis until a sudden fall or strain causes a vertebra to fracture or collapse.
An estimated 700,000 osteoporosis-related vertebral compression fractures occur annually, resulting in 150,000 hospitalizations. These fractures can cause chronic severe pain limiting physical activity and in the past could only be treated with bed rest, external bracing, or strong pain medications.
Iowa Radiology is pleased to offer Percutaneous Vertebroplasty – a minimally invasive treatment for vertebral compression fractures in which acrylic bone cement used in knee and hip replacements is injected through a needle into a collapsed or weakened vertebra. The cement supports the surrounding bone as it forms an internal cast that holds the vertebra in place. The fracture is then stabilized, preventing further collapse, relieving pain and sometimes restoring vertebral height.
The procedure is performed using x-ray guidance, with sedation, and patients can often go home the same day. The recovery time is minimal allowing patients an early return to daily activities.
Illustration 1
Vertebral Compression Fracture, causing pain and spinal deformity.
Illustration 2
A biopsy needle is guided into the fractured vertebra through a small incision in the skin.
Illustration 3
Acrylic bone cement is shown flowing into the vertabra, filling the spaces within the bone.
Illustration 4
Restored vertebra with hardened cement, satbilizing the vertebral structure and relieving pain.
