Compression fractures of the vertebra may be caused by osteoporosis, trauma to the back, tumors that originated in the bone or spread to the bone from elsewhere, and tumors that started in the spine, such as multiple myeloma. Symptoms include back pain, loss of height and a stooped-over posture known as kyphosis.
CIRA interventional radiologists are experts at a percutaneous technique called vertebroplasty, which stabilizes the damaged vertebral body and relieves pain. Using imaging guidance, a CIRA interventional radiologist stabilizes the collapsed vertebra through the injection of medical-grade bone cement directly into the spine. This highly advanced procedure provides almost instantaneous pain relief and prevents the further collapse of the vertebra, which can lead to loss of height and spine curvature commonly associated with osteoporosis. Vertebroplasty is performed on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia. Regular activities can usually be resumed within a week.