Osteoporosis and Vertebral Fractures

Vertebral compression fractures occur when the bones in the spine collapse and are often caused by osteoporosis, a disease that results in loss of normal bone density, mass and strength. They are twice as common as hip fractures. When vertebral compression fractures occur, the usual rectangular shape of the bone becomes compressed, causing pain. These compression fractures can involve the collapse of one or more vertebrae in the spine. The most common symptom of vertebral fracture is sudden onset of back pain, which can persist for weeks to months. The diagnosis of a vertebral fracture can be made by an interventional radiologist through the use of appropriate imaging, such as MRI. If left untreated, vertebral fractures frequently lead to chronic symptoms such as decreased mobility, decreased activity, back pain, or spinal deformity.

Major consequences of compression fractures due to osteoporosis include back pain, hunchback and height loss.

Treatment

Interventional radiologists are board-certified physicians who deliver minimally invasive treatments with less risk, less pain and less recovery time than traditional surgery to treat conditions that impact a person’s quality of life, such as vertebral compression fractures.

• Vertebroplasty. Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive treatment developed to treat pain caused by vertebral compression fractures, and has been safely performed since the late 1980s. Using X-ray imaging, an interventional radiologist inserts a needle into the collapsed vertebral body through a small incision in the skin. This image-guided technique allows the doctor to accurately access the fracture while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue. A medical-grade liquid cement is then injected into the center of the vertebrae. As the cement solidifies, the broken bone is stabilized. The treatment is performed with the patient face-down and sedated for their comfort. Afterwards, many patients feel immediate relief from pain, and can be discharged home the same day. 
• Kyphoplasty. Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty and is equally effective in stabilizing compression fractures. As with vertebroplasty, a needle is inserted into the fractured vertebra, using X-ray imaging. A balloon is then positioned into the collapsed bone and inflated to create a cavity for cement injection. The cement is injected into the cavity once the balloon is removed. Many patients feel immediate pain relief and are able to resume regular activities within a few days.