Vertebroplasty

A minimally invasive surgical operation to repair and stabilise a damaged vertebra or compression fractures.

 

 

Enquiries & Appointments

Consultant in theatre

What is a vertebroplasty?

If you have osteoporosis, a tumour or an injury, you may experience a compression fracture in one of the vertebra which form your spine. This can make the vertebra unstable and cause pain.

An operation, called a vertebroplasty, is to stabilise and restore a damaged vertebra can help relieve pain and prevent deformity or further fractures.

Need to know

The procedure may be carried out under general anaesthetic, or use local anaesthetic to numb the area.

Your consultant will make a small cut or cuts in the affected area and in the case of Kyphoplasty insert a small balloon-like device into the affected vertebra. This is inflated to raise the vertebra to its normal height. The space is then filled with bone cement which quickly sets to support and stabilise the area.

Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. If you're having general anaesthetic, they'll let you know how long you should avoid eating and drinking beforehand.

You should arrange for someone to help you get home afterwards. As with all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you.

Straight after your surgery, you may need to lie flat for several hours. You'll probably only be in hospital for the day, although you may need to stay overnight.

You may have an appointment with the physiotherapist to work on the movement in your back. You'll also be given pain relief. Any cuts should heal within a week, and you’ll need to keep the area dry until then. Your consultant will advise you when you can get back to your normal routine, including work and exercise.

Our Vertebroplasty consultants

Mr Ramsey Chammaa

Mr Ramsey Chammaa

Orthopaedic Surgery

Mr Rohit Shetty

Mr Rohit Shetty

Orthopaedic Surgery

Mr Colin Natali

Mr Colin Natali

Orthopaedic Surgery

Mr David Bell

Mr David Bell

Neurosurgery

Our Vertebroplasty locations

The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)

170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Chelsea Outpatients

Chelsea Outpatients

280 King's Road SW3 5AW London
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients

30 Devonshire Street W1G 6PU London
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients

Elstree Waterfront Outpatients

Beaufort House WD6 3BS Elstree
Golders Green Outpatients

Golders Green Outpatients

Golders Green Outpatients and Diagnostic Centre NW11 9PY London
The Wellington Hospital Outpatients

The Wellington Hospital Outpatients

15 - 17 Lodge Road NW8 7JA London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.