Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is an image-guided procedure in which medical cement is placed into a weakened or fractured vertebra.
When to get help quickly: The procedure itself is not usually urgent, but the underlying fracture needs faster review if there is new weakness, difficulty walking, or bladder or bowel symptoms.
Common symptoms
Doctors usually consider this for persistent severe back pain from a compression fracture, especially when ordinary pain treatment, rest, and bracing are not enough.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps confirm which vertebra is causing the pain and guides the needle safely while the cement is being placed.
What radiology does
It is performed with imaging guidance to target the vertebral body accurately and monitor cement placement.
What usually happens next
It may be considered in selected painful compression fractures, especially when conservative treatment is not enough.
Need this done?
See which centers in Lagos offer it.