Side Effects of Vertebroplasty

Side effects from vertebroplasty are rare and usually present in less than one percent of patients. Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn't involve surgery. It helps people suffering from osteoporosis by relieving pain and strengthening their broken vertebra or spinal bone.

Considerations

• Vertebroplasty is relatively new and there haven't been any controlled trials to determine how safe and effective it is. However, observational data shows the procedure relieves pain for people who have suffered severely and consistently.

Bleeding

• Risk of side effects are relatively low but may include bleeding at site of the injection and infection.

Pain

• Patients may experience their pain getting worse. They may also have neurological complications, such as leg pain or overall weakness.

Fracture

• It is possible for patients' ribs or spines to fracture during the procedure, especially if they are very weak.

Leakage

• Following vertebroplasty, the spinal cord may also experience cement leakage.

Time Frame

• Some side effects of vertebroplasty may present during the procedure and others may be a result of the anesthesia given during the procedure.