Neurointerventional Radiology

Definition: Compression fractures of the spine secondary to osteoporosis can be extremely painful and debilitating.  These often require several months, or occasionally up to a year, to fully heal. 

Treatment: A kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty may be useful when pain is unable to be managed with reasonable conservative management.  The procedure is performed through 1 or 2 needles which are placed into the fracture site.  The fracture is then stabilized by injecting a medical grade liquid compound through the needles directly into the fractured vertebra which then hardens providing a type of internal cast which can provide immediate relief.  This is an outpatient procedure which takes less than an hour to perform and does not require a stay in the hospital.