What is vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty consists of injecting acrylic cement (polymethyl methacrylate) into a fractured or weakened vertebra, percutaneously and under CT guidance, in order to consolidate the vertebra and relieve pain.
Cementoplasty refers to the injection of cement into bones other than the vertebrae (pelvis, ribs, acetabulum) for the same purpose.
Why choose this technique?
- Rapid and lasting pain relief (effective in 80–90% of cases)
- Consolidation of the vertebra, prevention of collapse
- Minimally invasive technique, day case or short hospital stay
- Applicable to osteoporotic fractures and spinal bone metastases
Who is this method for?
- Recent painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures (less than 3 months old)
- Painful spinal metastases or lytic bone lesions
- Patients not relieved by pain-relief medication
- Indication confirmed after rheumatology or oncology review depending on the context
How does it work?
Short hospital stay (1 to 2 days): under general or local anaesthesia depending on the case
Percutaneous puncture guided by CT scan at the level of the target vertebra
Injection of acrylic cement under continuous radiological control
Immediate consolidation: you can usually get up within a few hours
What is the recovery like?
- Pain improvement is often very rapid (within 24–48 hours)
- Complications are rare: cement leakage (most often asymptomatic), infection
- Radiological follow-up at 1 month
Understanding painful vertebral fractures
Vertebral collapse mainly occurs in two settings: osteoporosis (bone fragility related to age or certain treatments) and spinal bone metastases. They cause low-back or mid-back pain that is often very intense and disabling, resistant to usual painkillers.
What vertebroplasty / cementoplasty does
Orthopaedic cement (acrylic resin) is injected into the fractured or weakened vertebra through a fine needle guided by CT scan. As it hardens, it consolidates the vertebra within minutes and relieves pain through mechanical stabilisation. The technique has been used successfully for more than 30 years.
Expected outcomes
- Significant pain relief within the first 24 to 48 hours in 85 to 90% of cases
- After 2 weeks, two thirds of patients can reduce their painkiller doses
- About 75% of patients regain lost mobility and resume their activities
- Consolidation of the vertebra: prevention of further collapse
Practical aftercare
Return to usual activities within 24 to 48 hours. Avoid significant physical exertion during the first week. Radiological follow-up at 1 month to check consolidation.
What to prepare before the consultation
- A recent spinal MRI or CT scan
- Bone densitometry if you have osteoporosis
- A recent blood work-up
📄 Patient information sheet
✅ Covered by French National Health Insurance. No additional fees.