Spine compression fractures are a painful health problem that more frequently, but not exclusively, affects women, and is associated with osteoporosis.

Injuries lead to a significant reduction of the vertebral height, sometimes on multiple levels, leading to intense and persistent pain in the lower back that is exacerbated by movement and relieved by resting. Occasionally there is further compression of the vertebra in the following weeks-months, thus making the symptoms even more pronounced.

In the past, the only solution proposed to patients was immobilization with severe impact on the equality of life, long-term pain, and sometimes even complications resulting from reduced mobility or further compression of the vertebra. Sometimes the patient was even forced to resort to the surgical solution of spinal fusion.

TREATMENT

Fortunately, in the appropriate cases, we now have the possibility of transdermal vertebroplasty. This is a specialized CT-guided technique, consisting of the use of needles to inject a specific type of material that can be loosely described as medical “cement”.

The structural features of the vertebra are thus restored and, the pain disappears immediately. At the same time, the possibility of future functional problems, as well as chronic lumbago, is reduced.

Our surgical team has now developed, along with the CT scan, the use of C-arm to achieve absolute three-dimensional precision in the injection of the material, with excellent results.

The patient is discharged the following day, without a surgical incision and with complete mobility wearing a suitable brace for a period of time.