Men, and a much larger number of women, over the age of 50 are prone to Osteoporosis or abnormally weak bones. These patients frequently suffer from small cracks in the vertebrae known as compression fractures. While quite small, such fractures can cause severe pain and are often hard to detect and diagnose. Until recently, the best treatments available for vertebral compression fractures have involved pain medication and bed rest to promote healing.
Now, another important advantage of high resolution medical imaging is helping to treat these fractures. New imaging technology has the ability to pinpoint the location of compression fractures and guide their treatment effectively without surgery to relieve pain. Improved MRI imaging allows precise planning for the injection of medical plastic cement designed to bond and stabilize the fracture. It can also help radiologists find another cause of pain when a compression fracture is not the problem.
|
|
|
X |
|
|
| Normal Spine |
Compression Fracture |
Vertebroplasty Treatment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interventional Radiologist; Mark Edelman, MD; performs the Percutanous Vertebroplasty procedure with X-ray guidance in a radiology outpatient setting. Once treatment is completed, patients normally rest for two to three hours to allow complete bonding of the cement.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The procedure begins with an MRI examination. The detailed MRI image is then used to plan a specific treatment method for each patient. Treatment is normally completed under a mild anesthesia to relax the patient and eliminate any interfering movement. In rare cases, patents may be admitted for a one-night stay in the hospital.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| X |
|
|
| Click the following links for more information: |
|
|
| National Osteoporosis Foundation |
|
|
| Osteoporosis Risk Assestment |
|
|
| Radiological Society of North America - Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
