Overview
Percutaneous vertebroplasty, also known as PVP, has been performed since around 2002. The procedure is generally performed on individuals who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, or loss of bone mass, due to aging. Because of this lack of bone mass, individuals are at an increased risk for spinal fractures. Such fractures are often called compression fractures, caused by the collapse of weakened bones in the spine.

The condition generally causes back pain, limited range of motion and mobility, and, depending on location, a stooped posture. In many cases, the fracture will heal by itself, but in others, pain increases as the bones are crushed and move away from each other.  This results in a loss of height and extreme humps and stooped posture resulting in severe difficulty with movement as well as increased pain.

Who Benefits From Percutaneous Vertebroplasty?
Individuals diagnosed with osteoporosis and spinal degeneration may benefit from the procedure.  Individuals are generally over 60 years of age. Individuals experiencing severe back pain caused by a broken bone or vertebra in the back that have not experienced pain relief after therapies to control pain or prescribed bed rest may also benefit from vertebroplasty. In most cases, individuals with newer fractures experience better and faster results than those with older fractures, though success in treating both is available. Vertebroplasty is successful an average of 80% in the reduction of pain relief and increased mobility.

Some individuals may experience contraindications to this procedure including those with current and active infections, those with coagulate shun a shoes and those experience multiple and chronic spinal fractures.

Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Procedure
Percutaneous Vertebroplasty, or PVP procedures involve the insertion of a needle into the area were crushed or damaged bone is located. Bone cement is injected through the needle into the fractured or crushed bone area. Bone cement is generally made through a semi-solid combination of polymethylmethacrylate (or PMMA), typically used in orthopedic joint and fracture procedures. One or more areas can be treated at the same time, but doctors will determine placement of the bone cement in order to facilitate greatest maintenance or increase of spinal strength and mobility.

Research continues to devise new types of bones cement including injectable bone augmentation cements that are biodegradable and bioactive, which will not only strengthen and support the vertebral column, but increase and generate and encourage new bone growth around the former fracture site.

The needle is inserted into the spinal area using x-ray technology. This procedure is a closed surgical procedure and can be done within an hour. Most patients do well with topical or numbing medication and are awake during the procedure. However, some patients experiencing severe pain may be given medication to help them relax or sleep.

In most cases, patients are able to leave the hospital or outpatient facility within a few hours following the completion of the procedure.

How Much Does Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Cost?
According to the American Association of family Physicians, nearly $750 million has been spent on the treatment of spinal fractures in the United States in the past decades.  The baby boomer generation is expected to increase both the incidents and costs of treatment for osteoporosis.  Depending on the location and severity of the compression or crushed spinal fracture area, costs for treating spinal fracture can range around $6,000 but such costs don't cover surgeon's fee and may not cover outpatient or facility costs.  However, individuals traveling to foreign medical destinations such as Mexico, Central Europe, and Southeast Asia may receive excellent and effective health care for spinal treatments for up to half the cost of such services in the United States.

Who Performs Percutaneous Vertebroplasty?
An orthopedic surgeon generally performs the percutaneous vertebroplasty procedure. It's important to find an experienced and qualified professional who has experience with different techniques for spinal procedures, especially those related to treatment and pain relief of osteoporosis. Be sure to check the facilities before settling on a surgeon, and make sure that they are accredited, and that surgeons and their staff are trained, experienced and certified in their field.