What is vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure in which medical bone cement is injected through a needle into a cracked vertebra, the small bones that stack to form your spine. The cement hardens within minutes, stabilises the fracture and often reduces pain. It is done under imaging guidance, usually with local anaesthetic, and many people go home the same day.
Who is it for?
People with a recent, painful spinal compression fracture confirmed on MRI, usually from osteoporosis or a tumour, whose pain has not improved with medicines and rest. It is not for back pain without a matching fracture.
Is it safe and effective?
Vertebroplasty is commonly performed and relieves pain in many people, though trial evidence is mixed and patient selection matters. Cement leakage, infection and new fractures nearby are possible but uncommon.
Why Trust This Guide?
| Trust Signal | Details |
|---|---|
| Updated for 2026 | Reviewed in October 2026 against current patient-information guidance |
| Local Expertise | Based on interventional radiology practice at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi |
| Industry References | NHS, NICE, MedlinePlus, International Osteoporosis Foundation, Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) |
| Patient-Focused Approach | Organised around the questions patients commonly raise before treatment |
| Content Standards | Risks and limits stated openly, with no guaranteed outcomes |
This guide is written in plain language for patients and families. It explains what a treatment can and cannot do, and it should be read alongside advice from your own doctor. It is general information and does not replace personal medical advice.
Last Reviewed: October 2026
Introduction
Sudden, stabbing back pain in someone with weak bones may mean a vertebra has cracked. Weeks in bed rarely help, and the pain can steal independence quickly.
This guide explains vertebroplasty, who may benefit, how it differs from kyphoplasty and what recovery looks like.
What causes a vertebral compression fracture?
Most painful spine fractures in older adults come from osteoporosis, where bones thin so much that a cough, a bend or a small fall can crack a vertebra. Cancer that has spread to the spine, and sometimes myeloma, can weaken bones in the same way. Younger people can also have fractures after significant injury.
The typical story is sudden, sharp back pain that worsens when standing or turning in bed and eases lying flat. Over time, repeated fractures can cause stooping, loss of height and breathing difficulty. Our page on back pain treatment explains how different causes are sorted out.
Not all back pain needs vertebroplasty
Most back pain comes from muscles and discs and settles with physiotherapy and time. Vertebroplasty is meant for a specific problem: a recent, painful fracture confirmed on imaging. Doctors usually consider vertebroplasty when:
- MRI or bone scan shows a fresh or unhealed fracture that matches the pain point
- pain is severe and has not improved after a few weeks of medicines, rest and bracing
- pain limits walking, sleeping or self-care
- there is a risk of long bed rest, which brings its own problems like clots and chest infection
Vertebroplasty is not meant for pain without a matching fracture, and it should not replace osteoporosis treatment.
How the procedure is done
- You lie face down, and the skin over the spine is numbed.
- Using X-ray guidance, a fine needle is placed into the fractured vertebra.
- Bone cement is injected slowly while the doctor watches its spread on live imaging.
- The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.
It takes around 30 to 60 minutes per level. You rest flat for a short time, then stand up with support. A related technique, kyphoplasty, first inflates a small balloon in the bone to create space, and it may be chosen in selected cases.
Vertebroplasty compared with other approaches
| Approach | What it involves | Typical outcome | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rest, painkillers, bracing | Conservative care | Many fractures heal in 6 to 12 weeks | Prolonged immobility risks |
| Vertebroplasty | Cement through a needle | Pain often eases within days | Cement leakage is possible |
| Kyphoplasty | Balloon, then cement | Pain relief; may restore some height | More equipment, selected cases |
| Open spinal surgery | Fixation with rods and screws | Used for unstable or complex injuries | Larger operation, longer recovery |
What recovery looks like after vertebroplasty
Many people notice relief within one to two days, though it varies. You can usually walk the same day or next morning. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous bending for a few weeks, and begin gentle walking and physiotherapy as advised. Mild soreness at the needle site is expected.
Treating the fracture is only half the job. If osteoporosis is the cause, your doctor will talk about calcium, vitamin D, bone-strengthening medicines and fall prevention. Without this, new fractures can follow.
Risks and honest limits of vertebroplasty
Evidence on vertebroplasty is mixed. Some trials found pain relief similar to a sham procedure, while others, particularly in recent and severe fractures, found clear benefit. For this reason, good patient selection matters. Risks are small but include cement leaking outside the bone, which rarely presses on nerves or travels to the lungs, infection, bleeding and new fractures in neighbouring vertebrae. Tell your doctor if you take blood thinners or have an active infection.
Why Dr. Pradeep Muley
Dr. Pradeep Muley performs image-guided spine and pain procedures at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj. At the Centre For Non-Surgical Treatment, your MRI is reviewed against your symptoms first, and if vertebroplasty will not help, you are told so. The clinic also treats leg pain from poor circulation, a different cause that is sometimes confused with spine problems, and offers explanatory clips on the video page.
Trusted Sources for Further Reading
- NHS: Osteoporosis
- NICE: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty
- MedlinePlus: Osteoporosis
- International Osteoporosis Foundation
- Society of Interventional Radiology
Expert Tip
Ask whether the fracture is fresh on MRI before agreeing to vertebroplasty. Treating an old, healed fracture will not relieve pain, and osteoporosis medicines are still needed to prevent the next one.
Reviewed By
Interventional radiology specialists at the Centre For Non-Surgical Treatment, New Delhi, with practical experience in image-guided, minimally invasive treatment. This content is reviewed periodically to reflect current best practice and service information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is vertebroplasty used for?
It treats painful vertebral compression fractures, mostly from osteoporosis or tumours, by injecting bone cement to stabilise the cracked bone.
2. Is vertebroplasty painful?
Local anaesthetic numbs the area, and mild sedation can be added. You may feel pressure, but most people tolerate it well.
3. How soon will pain improve after vertebroplasty?
Many people feel better within a day or two, while some improve more slowly. Not everyone gets full relief.
4. How long does vertebroplasty take?
About 30 to 60 minutes for each vertebra, plus a short rest afterwards.
5. Is vertebroplasty safe for elderly patients?
It is commonly performed in older adults, since it avoids general anaesthesia. Heart, lung and bleeding conditions are checked before going ahead.
6. What is the difference between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty uses a balloon to create a cavity before cement is placed, which may help restore some height. Both aim to relieve pain and stabilise the fracture.
7. Can the cement cause problems?
Cement can occasionally leak outside the vertebra. Most leaks cause no symptoms, but rare cases affect nerves or lungs, which is why imaging guidance is essential.
8. Will I need to stop my blood thinners?
Often yes, for a short period, but never stop them without your doctor's instructions.
9. What does vertebroplasty cost?
Cost depends on the number of levels treated, the hospital room and the materials. A personalised estimate is available after consultation.
10. Can I prevent more fractures after vertebroplasty?
Yes. Bone-protecting medicines, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise and home safety changes reduce the risk of new fractures.
Conclusion
Vertebroplasty can ease pain from a fractured vertebra quickly and without open surgery, but only when it is matched to the right patient. Bone-strengthening treatment afterwards is just as important as the procedure itself.
If you are looking for vertebroplasty in Delhi, the Centre For Non-Surgical Treatment offers specialist, image-guided care at Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi. Clinic hours are Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and international patients can share reports for remote review before travelling.
Ready to discuss your options? Call or WhatsApp +91-98104-92778 or contact the clinic to book your consultation.
This article is for general information and does not replace personal medical advice.