Lumbar vertebroplasty (spine cement injection) Orthopedic Surgery

Lumbar vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that injects medical bone cement into a fractured vertebra in the lower back.

Lumbar vertebroplasty (spine cement injection) procedure illustration

Overview

Lumbar vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that injects medical bone cement into a fractured vertebra in the lower back. The cement hardens quickly and helps stabilize the bone. It is often used for painful vertebral compression fractures, commonly from osteoporosis, that do not improve with rest, bracing, and medicines. It may also be used for certain tumors in the spine that weaken the bone. Pain relief can be rapid, but results vary.

Overview Preparation Clinical Info Recovery FAQ References

Also known as: Vertebroplasty, Spinal cement injection, Percutaneous vertebroplasty, Lumbar spine cement injection

Recovery
1–14 days
Return to Work
2–14 days

Preparation & Next Steps

Everything you need to know before and after your procedure

Before Care

  • Bring recent spine imaging reports or discs if available (x-ray, CT, MRI).
  • Carry an updated list of all medicines and supplements, including blood thinners.
  • Tell the care team about allergies, especially to contrast dye or bone cement.
  • Ask the facility about fasting rules if sedation is planned, and follow those instructions.
  • Arrange a responsible adult to drive you home if sedation or anesthesia will be used.
  • Confirm which medicines to take the morning of the procedure, and which to hold per your care team.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and leave valuables at home.
  • Plan for same-day discharge in most cases; bring any needed braces or assistive devices.
  • Ensure recent lab tests or medical clearances requested by the team are completed.
  • Update emergency contacts and preferred pharmacy information with the facility.

After Care

  • Keep the small bandage over the injection sites clean and dry as instructed.
  • Avoid soaking the sites (baths, pools, hot tubs) until the punctures have sealed.
  • Walk and change positions regularly; increase activity as comfortable.
  • Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for a period commonly recommended after the procedure.
  • Use pain medicines as directed by your care team and note any side effects.
  • Monitor for fever, worsening back pain, new numbness or weakness, or shortness of breath and contact a clinician if these occur.
  • Drink fluids and eat lightly at first if you received sedation.
  • Resume other daily medicines when the care team says it is safe, especially blood thinners.
  • Schedule and attend follow-up to review symptoms, wound healing, and any imaging if ordered.
  • Keep a simple log of pain levels and activity to discuss at follow-up.

Clinical Information

Important medical details about this procedure

Indications

  • Painful osteoporotic lumbar vertebral compression fracture
  • Persistent pain after a recent vertebral fracture despite conservative care
  • Painful vertebral body hemangioma
  • Spinal tumors such as metastatic disease or multiple myeloma causing painful collapse
  • Fracture-related pain limiting daily activities

Alternatives

  • Pain medicines and anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Back bracing
  • Activity modification and gradual mobilization
  • Physical therapy
  • Nerve blocks or epidural steroid injections for pain control
  • Kyphoplasty (balloon-assisted cement procedure)
  • Observation and time if symptoms are improving
  • Open surgery in selected complex cases

Risks

  • Cement leakage into nearby tissues or veins
  • Infection at the injection site or deeper in the spine
  • Bleeding or hematoma
  • Allergic reaction to cement or contrast dye
  • Nerve irritation or injury causing numbness or weakness
  • Pulmonary embolism from cement or blood clot (rare)
  • New or adjacent-level vertebral fractures
  • Sedation or anesthesia-related risks
  • Radiation exposure from imaging guidance

Contraindications

  • Active infection or osteomyelitis
  • Uncorrected bleeding disorder
  • Allergy to bone cement or contrast agents used for imaging
  • Asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic fracture
  • Burst fracture with bone fragments compressing the spinal canal
  • Significant spinal cord or nerve compression needing surgical decompression
  • Pregnancy due to x-ray exposure

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery

Most people go home the same day and increase activity over several days. Many resume light routines within a week, but timelines vary.

Typical Range

1–14 days

Return to Work

2–14 days

Recovery Milestones

Day 0–1

Walk short distances at home and perform light self-care

Day 1–3

Resume light household tasks and gentle walking

Day 2–7

Return to desk or school activities if pain is manageable

Day 7–14

Gradually increase activity; avoid heavy lifting until cleared

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions and expert answers about this procedure

How is lumbar vertebroplasty performed?

Using x-ray guidance, a needle is passed into the fractured vertebra and medical cement is injected to stabilize the bone. Local anesthesia and light sedation are commonly used.

What conditions does it treat?

It is most often used for painful vertebral compression fractures from osteoporosis and may also help with pain from some spinal tumors or hemangiomas.

Will it relieve my pain right away?

Some people feel relief within hours to days, while others improve more slowly or may not have significant relief. Outcomes vary.

What is the difference between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty?

Both use cement. Kyphoplasty first inflates a balloon to create space and can partially restore height before cement is placed; vertebroplasty injects cement without a balloon.

Do I have to stay overnight?

Most procedures are outpatient. Some people stay overnight if monitoring is needed.

What imaging is needed?

X-rays and MRI or CT are commonly used to confirm a recent fracture and plan the procedure. Fluoroscopy guides needle placement during the procedure.

Are there long-term risks?

Complications are uncommon but can include cement leakage, new fractures near the treated level, or ongoing pain. Your team monitors for these issues.

What if I am on blood thinners?

Blood thinners affect bleeding risk. The care team will provide specific instructions on if and when to pause or continue them.