Osteoporosis is characterized by poor bone mineralization, resulting in fragile bones that are susceptible to fractures. It’s a common condition in the United States, particularly among the elderly of both genders. Medications that encourage bone growth can treat osteoporosis effectively. However, even with proper medication, individuals with osteoporosis are at risk of experiencing vertebral compression fractures from minor injuries or during everyday activities. Up to one-quarter of postmenopausal women and 40% of women over the age of 80 experience fractures due to osteoporosis. Such fractures can lead to a misalignment of the spine, potentially causing spinal nerve compression and intense back pain. Pain medications are typically the first line of treatment, yet many patients may still endure considerable pain and impaired mobility.

This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a special needle is placed through a small incision in the skin into the fractured vertebra. The placement of the needle is performed under imaging guidance. Once the needle is in the vertebra, the physician may choose to temporarily inflate a balloon within the vertebra. This is done to create a cavity for bone cement injection and to restore some height to the compressed vertebral body. Bone cement is then injected until the broken bone is adequately filled and the fracture is stabilized. This procedure can be done with intravenous sedation, avoiding the need for general anesthesia and a hospital stay. Patients are discharged a few hours after the procedure. Significant decrease or complete relief of pain is seen in 85-95% of patients treated.