Introduction

Interventional neuroradiology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is cementing its reputation as a leader in the treatment of painful neurological spine conditions.  Through a recently introduced procedure known as vertebroplasty, patients with acute compression fractures of the spine are quite literally being cemented back into shape.  It is hard to imagine any other procedure that has been more quickly adapted as a standard of treatment for this disorder and more quickly embraced by the growing number of patients who have benefited from this treatment.

Percutaneous vertebroplasty was developed in France in the late 1980's and during the last six years has gained tremendous popularity in the United States.  The procedure is minimally invasive which often provides pain relief to patients suffering from compressed or fractured vertebrae unresponsive to medical therapy.  Another benefit of successful treatment is increased mobility following pain relief.  Each year, more than 700,000 patients with vertebral spine fractures are diagnosed in the United States which has resulted in 115,000 hospital admissions.  Patients not only suffer from excruciating back pain but because of the resultant immobility are more susceptible to other diseases such as pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, depression and further acceleration of bone loss.

• Procedure Description
• Who is a Candidate?
• What to Expect

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