A vertebral compression fracture occurs when one of the bones within the spinal column (vertebrae) weakens and fractures or collapses. A sacral insufficiency fracture occurs in the sacrum, the triangular bone located at the base of the spine. Fractures like these can be extremely painful. If left untreated, they can lead to more serious health problems or permanent deformity.
Osteoporosis is the leading cause of vertebral compression spine and sacral fractures. It is a disease that affects bone density, which is why those with osteoporosis can more easily develop these spine fractures. Women over 50 have the highest risk for osteoporosis, particularly caucasian and Asian women.
Several clinical studies have shown that individuals with a spine fracture are at a much higher risk of developing additional fractures, reduced lung function, difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels, decreased quality of life and even death.1,2,3
Common symptoms include:
Many doctors will recommend conservative measures first to treat spine fractures. These can include various pain medications, back braces and bed rest. However, these do not address the root cause of the problem, nor do they address the risks associated with spine fractures.
Some doctors may advocate orthopedic surgery for a spine fracture. While this approach may work, surgery carries significant risks, especially for older people. In addition, there is usually a long and sometimes painful recovery period.
There are other options to treat spine fractures that are available from VISA: Vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty and sacroplasty. Using imaging guidance, our interventional radiologists can repair the fracture without the need for open surgery. These procedures are performed in a comfortable outpatient center and provide immediate relief from pain and other symptoms.
A vertebral compression fracture occurs when one of the bones in the spine (vertebra) collapses or cracks. These fractures most commonly happen because the bone has become weak from osteoporosis, but they can also result from trauma or certain types of cancer.
A sacral fracture is a break in the sacrum, the triangular bone located at the base of the spine between the hip bones. These fractures often occur in older adults with osteoporosis or after trauma.
Many compression fractures improve with rest, pain medication, activity modification, physical therapy and bracing. However, if you continue to have severe pain despite conservative treatment, a minimally invasive procedure such as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be recommended.
Many sacral fractures heal with time, rest, and pain management. However, healing may take several months, and prolonged bed rest can increase the risk of muscle loss, blood clots, pneumonia, and reduced independence—especially in older adults. For patients with persistent severe pain, sacroplasty may be an effective treatment option.
Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes a fractured vertebra by injecting medical-grade bone cement into the broken bone. The cement hardens quickly, providing internal support that can significantly reduce pain.
Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty but includes an additional step: A small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and gently inflated to create space before bone cement is placed. This helps to restore some of the lost vertebral height and reduce spinal deformity in selected patients.
Sacroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat painful sacral insufficiency fractures. Using imaging guidance, the interventional radiologist injects bone cement into the fractured sacrum to stabilize the bone and reduce pain.
These procedures are minimally invasive and typically performed using local anesthesia with “twilight” sedation. Most patients experience only mild discomfort during the procedure.
Many patients experience pain relief within 24 to 48 hours, while others notice gradual improvement over several days.
Results vary depending on the age of the fracture and individual healing factors.
These procedures are considered minimally invasive image-guided procedures rather than traditional open surgery. They require only a small skin puncture instead of a large incision. No hospitalization or general anesthesia is required.
These procedures are performed with local anesthesia and “twilight”(conscious) sedation. You will be very relaxed but not asleep.
Although these procedures are generally safe, all medical procedures carry some risk.
Potential complications include:
Your physician will discuss your individual risks before the procedure.
The treated fracture is usually permanently stabilized. However, patients with osteoporosis remain at risk for future fractures elsewhere in the spine or pelvis.
Your healthcare provider may recommend osteoporosis evaluation and treatment to reduce the risk of additional fractures.
You can lower your risk by:
Many insurance plans, including Medicare, cover these procedures when they are medically necessary and appropriate clinical criteria are met. Coverage varies by insurance provider, and we can help you verify your coverage before treatment.
You should contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
