Vertebroplasty

What is vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty, also known as percutaneous vertebroplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures, which are small breaks in the spine that cause the vertebra to collapse. These fractures are most commonly caused by osteoporosis, but can also occur after trauma or due to conditions that weaken the bone.

During vertebroplasty, medical‑grade bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra to stabilise it from within. This helps reduce pain and prevent further collapse.

What are the alternatives to vertebroplasty?

Not all vertebral compression fractures require a procedure. Alternatives may include:

• Pain‑relief medication
• Bracing to support the spine
• Physiotherapy to improve mobility and posture
• Activity modification while the fracture heals
• Kyphoplasty: A similar procedure that uses a balloon to create space before cement is injected.

Your consultant will discuss all appropriate options with you.

Vertebroplasty vs kyphoplasty: what’s the difference?

Both procedures stabilise a fractured vertebra using bone cement, but they differ in technique:

• Kyphoplasty uses a balloon to create space and may restore some lost vertebral height.
• Vertebroplasty, on the other hand, injects cement directly into the fractured bone without creating space first.

Neither procedure is automatically “better”; the right choice depends entirely on your fracture pattern, symptoms and imaging. Your consultant will determine which procedure, if any, is appropriate. Only a consultant can make this decision. They will assess:

• Your level of pain
• MRI or CT scan findings
• How recent the fracture is
• Your bone quality
• Your overall health.

Some fractures heal well without intervention. Others may benefit from stabilisation. Your consultant will guide you to the safest and most effective option.

What conditions can vertebroplasty treat?

Vertebroplasty is primarily used to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).

What is a vertebral compression fracture?

A VCF occurs when a vertebra collapses, often due to weakened bone. This can cause:

• Sudden, severe back pain
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Loss of height
• Stooped posture.

What causes vertebral compression fractures?

• Osteoporosis (most common cause)
• Trauma or injury
• Certain cancers or bone‑weakening conditions.

How serious is a vertebral compression fracture?

If untreated, a VCF can lead to:

• Persistent pain
• Reduced mobility
• Progressive spinal curvature
• Increased risk of further fractures.

Who is at risk of a vertebral compression fracture?

• People with osteoporosis
• Post‑menopausal women
• Older adults
• People on long‑term steroid medication
• Those with low bone density or previous fractures.

When should you consider vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty may be considered when:

• Pain from a compression fracture is severe or persistent
• Pain limits daily activities
• Imaging confirms a suitable fracture
• Non‑surgical treatments haven’t helped.

Who is suitable for vertebroplasty?

You may be suitable if:

• You have a confirmed vertebral compression fracture
• Your pain is significant
• The fracture is relatively recent
• You are in good general health.

Who is not suitable for vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty may not be recommended if:

• The fracture is old and fully healed
• There is spinal canal compromise
• You have an active infection
• Bone quality is too poor for cement stabilisation.

Your consultant will advise your suitability based on your scans and symptoms.

How do I prepare for vertebroplasty?

Preparation may include:

• A pre‑procedure assessment
• Blood tests or imaging
• Reviewing current medications
• Fasting instructions if sedation is planned
• Arranging transport home, as you cannot drive afterwards.

Your team will:

• Review your medical history
• Check your medications (including blood thinners)
• Confirm the diagnosis using MRI or CT
• Explain the procedure and recovery
• Answer any questions.

You may be advised to stop certain medications, such as anticoagulants, before the procedure. Your consultant will give personalised guidance.

What should I bring on the day?

• Comfortable clothing
• A list of medications
• Any mobility aids you normally use
• Someone to take you home
• Reading glasses if needed
• A phone charger if staying overnight.

What happens during a vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is usually performed under local anaesthetic, meaning the area is numbed but you remain awake. You may also be given light sedation to help you relax. The procedure typically takes about one hour.

During the procedure

• You will lie on your stomach
• Your back will be cleaned and numbed
• A hollow needle is guided into the fractured vertebra using X‑ray imaging
• Bone cement is injected into the collapsed area
• The cement fills the spaces within the fractured bone and stabilises it
• The needle is removed and a small dressing is applied.

Immediately after

• You will lie flat for 1–2 hours while the cement sets
• Your vital signs will be monitored
• You will need someone to drive you home.

Is vertebroplasty painful?

You shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure, although you may feel pressure. Some soreness at the injection site afterwards is normal.

How long does it take to recover after vertebroplasty?

Most people can resume normal daily activities 24–48 hours after vertebroplasty.

In the first 24–48 hours

• Rest is recommended
• Avoid strenuous activity
• Mild bruising or soreness around the injection site is normal
• Over‑the‑counter pain relief (e.g., paracetamol) may help.

Pain relief

Many people notice an improvement in back pain within 48 hours, and some feel better even sooner.

Returning to daily activities

Your consultant will give personalised advice, but general guidance often includes:

• Light activities: After 24 hours is best
• Desk‑based work: Can usually be resumed within a few days
• Driving: Once you can move comfortably and safely, you’re able to resume driving, but your consultant will confirm.
• Exercise: Gentle walking is encouraged; avoid heavy lifting for up to 6 weeks
• Flying: Check with your consultant, especially if travelling soon after the procedure.

Most people find they can return to normal routines fairly quickly, as long as they avoid anything that strains the spine.

What to avoid

• Heavy lifting
• High‑impact exercise
• Twisting or bending movements
• Long periods of sitting in the first few days.

What are the benefits of vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is designed to support a fractured vertebra from the inside out. Stabilising the weakened bone can help reduce pain and restore confidence in movement. For many people, the improvement is noticeable within days.

Here’s what vertebroplasty aims to achieve:

• Reduce pain: Pain from a vertebral compression fracture often comes from tiny movements within the broken bone. By filling the fracture with medical‑grade cement, vertebroplasty stops these movements and helps ease discomfort.
• Stabilise the fractured vertebra: The cement hardens within minutes, creating internal support that helps prevent the bone from collapsing further.
• Improve mobility: Once the fracture is stabilised, many people find they can stand, walk and move more comfortably, often much sooner than expected.
• Reduce reliance on pain medication: As pain improves, people often find they no longer need strong painkillers, which can have side effects such as drowsiness or constipation.
• Prevent further collapse of the bone: By reinforcing the vertebra, vertebroplasty helps protect the bone from worsening collapse, which can otherwise lead to posture changes or additional pain.

How soon will I feel the benefits?

Many people notice an improvement in their back pain within 48 hours, and some feel better even sooner. The speed of relief depends on the severity of the fracture and how long it has been present.

How long do results last?

Results are typically long‑lasting, especially when combined with:

• Osteoporosis treatment
• Bone‑strengthening medication
• Lifestyle changes that support bone health.

The cement itself is permanent and does not wear out.

What are the risks and complications of vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is considered a safe procedure, but all medical treatments carry some risks. Your consultant will discuss these with you and explain how they are minimised during the procedure.

General risks may include:

• Pain at the injection site
• Bleeding
• Infection

These are uncommon and usually mild when they occur.

Procedure‑specific risks may include:

• Nerve irritation: Causing temporary tingling or discomfort
• Numbness: Usually short‑lived
• Cement leakage: Rare, and imaging guidance helps reduce the risk
• No improvement in pain: Uncommon, but possible if the fracture is not the main source of symptoms.

Your consultant will assess your scans carefully to ensure vertebroplasty is appropriate and likely to help.

How much does a vertebroplasty cost at Nuffield Health?

For pricing information, please contact your local Nuffield Health hospital. The hospital or your healthcare team will give you a fixed all-inclusive price for the treatment following your initial consultation.