What is vertebroplasty? Vertebroplasty offers new hope for patients who suffer from pain caused by severe osteoporosis or metastatic tumors. These conditions can weaken the bones and result in a loss of vertebral strength. Once this state occurs, minor external forces can lead to fractures of these vertebrae. Such compression vertebral fractures can cause severe pain, thereby limiting normal daily activities. In the past, vertebral compression fractures were treated in three ways: oral pain medication, bed rest, and immobilization brace support. While these conservative treatment options remain the first choice for reducing discomfort, if pain persists, patients should consult with a specialist about the possibility of treatment with vertebroplasty. Immediate Pain Reduction Vertebroplasty provides stabilization of vertebral fractures with a specially formulated bone cement. It is a typically minimally invasive treatment that can be performed with only local anesthesia and a 2-3 day hospital stay. After local anesthesia is completed, the surgeon inserts one or two pins through a small incision into the fractured vertebra. Most patients experience pain relief within a few hours and the patient can return to daily activities within 48 hours. If you or a family member or friend is experiencing pain due to a vertebral compression fracture, we recommend that you consult with a specialist to see if vertebroplasty can be performed.