During the procedure, called percutaneous vertebroplasty, a sterile liquid cement is injected into the fractured vertebrae. The cement strengthens the collapsed vertebrae, relieving pressure and pain. The University of Maryland Medical Center is the first in the state to offer this treatment. My experience at the University of Virginia and subsequently at the University of Maryland, with vertebroplasty has been very positive. We've been able to significantly help people who otherwise may be bedridden with chronic pain.
Osteoporosis is a very common disorder affecting seven million people.
It causes the loss of bone mineral, which makes the bones more fragile and they break easily. Those fractures are hard to heal. One of the areas most affected is the spine. Those most at risk are over age 50 or individuals taking certain drugs like steroids that accelerate bone mineral loss. Another 17 million women suffer from low bone density and are at risk of developing osteoporosis and bone fractures.