Patients who are candidates for percutaneous vertebroplasty undergo CT tests to make sure their pain is caused by the fracture and not by any other back problem, such as a herniated disk or compression of the spinal cord. Patients having the procedure receive a local anesthetic. The cement, which is the consistency of toothpaste, is injected into the spine with a needle. Doctors use X-rays to guide them. The cement then hardens after about 20 minutes and is permanent.
Patients generally spend only one night in the hospital.
The cement does not impair movement of the spine and patients can move normally once the cement is in place. This information is not intended to be a substitute for individual medical advice in diagnosing or treating a health problem. Please consult with your health care provider about your health care concerns.