Vertebroplasty - Results

The goal of a percutaneous vertebroplasty is the stabilisation of vertebral bodies via the injection of bone cement. According to previously released studies, the results of this treatment are extremely positive. In most cases, discomfort recedes considerably almost immediately after the procedure; as time progresses, pain reduction then increases to up to 90%. A requirement for this is naturally a procedure that is executed technically correctly and without complications. ²

However, the success rate in regard to substantial pain reduction depends considerably on your initial situation. For fresh fractures that are up to 2 months old, the rate of success for achieving a substantial reduction in pain or complete freedom from pain is 80-90%; for fractures that are first treated 1-2 years after their onset, this success rate sinks to 60-70%.

However, the numbers quoted only apply to pain that stems from the fracture. Other causes of pain such as a herniated disc or vertebral wear cannot be treated with a vertebroplasty.

Should new pains arise after the procedure due to a further vertebral fracture at a different level, the vertebroplasty can be repeated after a second examination. ^1,2,3,7,8

Other treatments such as chemo or radiation therapy can be executed in parallel without danger. ⁷