Patient Information - Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCF)

What is a vertebral compression fracture?

Vertebral compression fractures (VCF) occur when the bones of the spine (vertebrae) collapse within themselves and become compressed. VCFs are caused mainly by osteoporosis and affect hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. each year. Vertebral compression fractures are more likely to occur in vertebrae in the middle to lower back. Compression fracture should be suspected in any patient over age 50 with sudden onset of lower back pain.

Healthy Vertebrae

Affected Vertebrae
(low bone density)

Collapsed Vertebrae
(severly osteoporotic)

What is vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is a medical procedure that involves placing a small needle into the spine. Bone cement is injected into the bone to stabilize it. The procedure takes about one hour and is sometimes done using only local anesthesia. Some patients are treated with additional pain medications. Usually patients can leave the hospital a few hours after completion of the procedure.