Vertebroplasty: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Raghuveer Boddireddy, MD, Interventional Radiology. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Vertebroplasty?
An interventional radiologist or neuroradiologist most often does this procedure. These are doctors who use imaging to guide procedures. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Vertebroplasty treats painful compression fractures of the spine. When a spine bone fractures, it gets squashed and causes pain. Doctors use imaging to guide a hollow needle into the broken bone. They inject a cement mixture through the needle.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A common cause is osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones. Your provider may recommend it for severe pain that lasts 2 months or more after a compression fracture. The pain has not gotten better with bed rest, pain medicines, and physical therapy. It is also used for vertebral compression due to a malignant tumor.
How to prepare
- Your doctor first confirms that you have a compression fracture that may be helped.
- Tell your doctor if there is a possibility you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor about all your medicines and herbal supplements. List any allergies.
- Your doctor may tell you to stop taking aspirin, NSAIDs, or blood thinners before your procedure. NSAIDs are anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Ask which medicines you should still take on the day of the surgery.
- Your doctor may tell you not to eat or drink for several hours before.
- If you will not stay in the hospital, plan to have someone drive you home after your procedure.
What happens during it
It is done in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. You may have local anesthesia, which means you are awake and unable to feel pain. You will likely also receive medicine to help you relax and feel sleepy. You lie face down on a table. Using x-ray guidance, the doctor passes a hollow needle through the back muscles into the broken bone. The doctor then injects the cement. The cement hardens quickly, usually within 20 minutes. The doctor presses on the spot to prevent bleeding and covers it with a bandage.
Recovery
You will probably go home on the same day. Some patients may need to be admitted after the procedure. You should not drive, unless your surgeon says it is OK. It is best to stay in bed for the first 24 hours, except to use the bathroom. After 24 hours, slowly go back to normal activities. Do not lift heavy things or do hard exercise for at least 6 weeks. If you take blood thinners, check with your doctor about restarting them the day after the procedure. At your follow-up visit, tell your doctor about any side effects or changes. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, fainting or loss of consciousness, sudden weakness, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
The procedure is generally safe. Problems that can happen include the following.
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Allergic reactions to medicines
- Breathing or heart problems if you have general anesthesia
- Nerve injuries
Increased back pain and nerve symptoms such as numbness or tingling can also occur. A small amount of cement can leak out of the vertebral body. This does not usually cause a serious problem. It can be dangerous if the cement moves into the spinal canal or the blood vessels of the lungs. Leakage happens more often with this procedure than with kyphoplasty. About 10 percent of patients may get more compression fractures after the procedure.
Who performs it
A specially trained interventional radiologist or neuroradiologist most often does this procedure. It is usually done in a special imaging room, or sometimes in an operating room.
Common questions
How soon does vertebroplasty relieve pain?
Pain relief is immediate for some patients. In others, pain is eliminated or reduced within two days.
How is vertebroplasty different from kyphoplasty?
Vertebroplasty injects cement straight into the broken bone. In kyphoplasty, a balloon is put in first to make a space. The cement then goes into that space.
Does vertebroplasty treat arthritis back pain?
No, it is not used for herniated disks or arthritic back pain.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
