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Interventional Neuroradiology
Vertebroplasty
Suburban Hospital now offers a spine-stabilizing procedure called vertebroplasty. Relatively new in the United States, the minimally invasive technique is used to relieve chronic back pain associated with spinal compression fractures, usually caused by the progressive bone loss of osteoporosis.
Nearly 80 percent of Americans suffer back pain at some point in their lives. One of the leading causes of pain is a fracture of a vertebra in the spine. Researchers estimate that at least 25 percent of all women, and a somewhat smaller percentage of men, over the age of 50 will suffer one or more vertebral compression fractures due to the erosion and natural bone loss of osteoporosis. Other causes of vertebral fractures include trauma to the spine or certain forms of cancer.
While vertebral fractures can occur without pain, often they cause intense radiating and even debilitating pain. Until recently, treatment options for vertebral compression fractures were limited to pain management with strong oral or intravenous medications, reduced activity, bracing, or invasive back surgery with mediocre results.
Vertebroplasty offers patients a promising alternative without the need for major surgery.
About the Procedure
Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that involves inserting a cement-like material into the center of the collapsed spinal vertebra in order to stabilize and strengthen the crushed bone. With the patient under a local anesthetic, an interventional radiologist inserts a needle into the fractured area of the spine and then, using guided imagery, such as CT scanning and fluoroscopy, fills the cavity with a medical-grade epoxy or glue. Shortly after injection, the cement-like material hardens, creating a supportive structure that prevents further collapse and alleviates pain. The procedure takes less than an hour and patients are able to return home the same day.
Results
Suburban Hospital is one of only a few community hospitals in the Washington metro area offering this relatively new procedure. Under the direction of Dr. Wayne Olan, Suburban Hospital has performed more than 900 cases with at least 85 percent of patients reporting significant or total pain relief.
For More Information
To learn more about vertebroplasty or if the procedure is appropriate for you, please consult your physician. If you need a physician, please call Suburban Hospital's PhysicianMatch Referral Service at 301.896.3939.