Vertebroplasty

Overview

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that stabilises a painful vertebral compression fracture by injecting medical cement into the collapsed vertebra in selected patients.

This page explains how vertebroplasty is typically performed, who it may help, what recovery often looks like, and what risks to consider. It is educational and does not replace an individual clinical assessment.

Who this is for (eligibility)

Eligibility depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, imaging, and overall health. Clinicians usually consider both how severe symptoms are and how much they limit daily life.

Common reasons it may be recommended

• Recent painful compression fracture confirmed on imaging with clinical correlation.
• Pain remains severe despite appropriate pain control and bracing/rehab as advised.
• No signs that pain is coming mainly from another source.

Not appropriate if… (contraindications / caution)

• Infection, uncorrected bleeding risk, or fracture instability requiring different management.
• Neurological compression that needs decompression rather than cement stabilisation.
• Fractures that are old and no longer the main pain generator (selection is key).

Alternatives to consider

The best option depends on the cause of symptoms, your goals, and your risk profile. In many cases, clinicians start with less invasive treatments and escalate if needed.

• Optimised pain relief, bracing when appropriate, and gradual mobilisation.
• Osteoporosis assessment and treatment to reduce future fracture risk.
• Kyphoplasty in selected cases (balloon-assisted).

How the procedure works (step-by-step)

Procedural details vary by surgeon, anatomy, and the exact problem being treated. The steps below describe a typical pathway in patient-friendly terms.

Typical steps

• Imaging confirms the correct vertebral level.
• A needle is guided into the vertebra through the skin using imaging.
• Medical cement is injected to stabilise the fracture.
• Observation period and discharge with aftercare advice.

Pre-operative preparation

Preparation aims to reduce risk and support smoother recovery. Your team will tailor advice to your medical history and medications.

• Bring imaging and the timing of symptom onset; recent fractures are assessed differently than older fractures.
• Review blood thinners and bleeding risk medications with your clinician.
• Plan transport home and help with early activity pacing.
• Ask about osteoporosis evaluation and prevention after the procedure.
• Prepare a fall-prevention plan at home (lighting, clutter reduction, footwear).

Recovery timeline (what to expect)

Recovery varies. Your baseline fitness, the size of the procedure, and how your nervous system responds to pain all influence the timeline.

Common milestones

• Day 0–2: walking as tolerated; follow guidance on bending/lifting; monitor pain response.
• Week 1–2: increase daily activity; begin gentle mobility and strength work if advised.
• Week 3–6: focus on osteoporosis prevention strategies and graded conditioning.
• Ongoing: fracture prevention plan and fall-risk reduction.

Potential risks and complications

Every procedure has potential downsides. Your clinician should explain risks in the context of your health and the expected benefit.

• Cement leakage (often harmless, rarely clinically significant).
• Infection or bleeding (uncommon).
• Allergic reaction or cardiopulmonary complications (rare).
• New fractures can occur, especially if bone health is not addressed.

Seek urgent medical help after a procedure if you develop chest pain, severe shortness of breath, high fever, uncontrolled bleeding, new severe weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel control.

Outcomes and success rates

For carefully selected painful recent fractures, vertebroplasty can reduce pain and improve mobility. The evidence base and suitability vary by fracture type and timing, so individual assessment is essential.

Success depends on choosing the right indication, using good technique, and following an appropriate rehabilitation plan. Outcomes are usually better when expectations are realistic and goals are function-based.

Post-procedure care

Aftercare focuses on protecting healing tissues, restoring movement and strength, and reducing the risk of complications.

• Resume gentle walking and daily tasks as tolerated, following clinician advice.
• Use pain relief as needed and reduce gradually as symptoms improve.
• Arrange follow-up for osteoporosis evaluation and fracture prevention.
• Start a graded strengthening and balance programme to reduce future fall risk.

Costs and insurance (general guidance)

Coverage depends on your plan, diagnosis, and clinical documentation. Ask your insurer what is covered, what needs prior authorisation, and what out-of-pocket costs may apply.

• Coverage typically requires imaging evidence of a compression fracture and documentation of persistent pain and functional limitation.
• Ask whether vertebroplasty vs kyphoplasty is covered and what prior authorisation is needed.
• Confirm coverage for osteoporosis work-up and rehabilitation.

Patient story (composite example)

A person with a recent painful compression fracture found walking and sleep severely limited.

After assessment confirmed the fracture as the primary pain source, vertebroplasty was used to stabilise it.

Early pain relief improved mobility, and the longer-term focus shifted to bone health and fall prevention.

This is a de-identified composite example for education. Individual outcomes vary.

Next steps

If you are considering vertebroplasty, bring your imaging reports, medication list, and a brief timeline of symptoms to your consultation. A clinician can help confirm the diagnosis, explain realistic outcomes, and coordinate alternatives when appropriate.

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified clinician who understands your medical history and examination findings.

FAQs

Is vertebroplasty the same as kyphoplasty?

Both use cement to stabilise fractures. Kyphoplasty uses a balloon to create space before cement in selected cases.

How quickly can I go home?

Many people go home the same day after observation, depending on health and anaesthesia.

Will it treat osteoporosis?

No. Osteoporosis treatment is important to reduce future fracture risk.

Can I walk right away?

Walking is usually encouraged as tolerated after clinician review.

What are the main risks?

Cement leakage is the most discussed risk; serious complications are uncommon with appropriate selection.

Will I need physiotherapy?

Many people benefit from graded strength and balance training after fracture.

References

• NHS (UK) — Back surgery overview
• NHS (UK) — Spinal fusion
• NICE — Clinical guidance and evidence
• Cochrane — Evidence summaries
• AAOS OrthoInfo — Patient education