But he said vertebroplasty can change the course of the disease. In two studies, researchers were able to show that injecting the bone cement under x-ray guidance reduced pain and, in experienced hands, produced few serious side effects. Dr. Gregg Zoarski, associate professor of radiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, said that 24 of 30 patients reported significant declines in pain within two weeks of getting the injections. Dr. Mathis said the spinal fractures often occur in older patients who have osteoporosis. However, he said, more and more such fractures are occurring in younger people who are vulnerable to fractures due to bone loss resulting from taking steroids for conditions such as asthma.
Current treatment involves berets or use of unwieldy, uncomfortable body braces.
Literally, any of the activities of daily living can cause the fractures in vulnerable patients. Typically, doctors wait about a week to see if the fracture pain will resolve on its own. If pain persists, the patient is x-rayed and a needle about the diameter of a cocktail straw is inserted into the fractured vertebrae. Bone cement is used to fill tiny holes and crevasses inside the vertebra to shore up the bone. The process takes about an hour and can be performed as an outpatient procedure.