Aging, osteoporosis (bone loss), or certain tumor-related processes can weaken our spine, which is the body's main supporting pillar. Especially in our elderly patients, simply lifting a heavy load or sometimes even a simple sneeze can cause "compression fractures" in the vertebral bones. These fractures lead to severe pain that confines the patient to bed and even makes breathing difficult.

Traditionally, these patients were directed to "bed rest" or major surgical screw fixation operations. However, thanks to the Vertebroplasty and Cementoplasty techniques we apply at our clinic, we can now "freeze" these fractures in minutes using medical cement, entering through just a needle hole, and get our patients back on their feet the same day.

What is Vertebroplasty? How is it Applied?

Vertebroplasty is the procedure of injecting bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate - PMMA) through a special method into a collapsed or broken vertebral bone (vertebra).

Step-by-Step Procedure:

• Imaging Guidance: The procedure is performed with millimetric precision under high-resolution fluoroscopy equipment (X-ray). The fracture line in the bone is clearly monitored.

• Minimal Intervention: No incisions are made on the skin. A special, thick needle is used to reach the center of the fractured bone.

• Cement Injection: Similar to dental filling, but medical cement suitable for bone structure is injected into the bone in liquid form.

• Freezing Effect: The cement hardens inside the bone within 10-15 minutes. This stabilizes the bone from the inside and stops the micro-movements that cause pain.

Cementoplasty: Repair of Bones Beyond the Spine

While vertebroplasty focuses on the spine, the same technique used to treat fractures and damage in the pelvic bone, hip, or other flat bones is called Cementoplasty. Especially for bones weakened by cancer metastases that carry fracture risk, this technique is life-saving to strengthen the bone, relieve the patient's pain, and preserve mobility.

Why Cementless Cement Treatment?

The fundamental characteristics that make these interventional methods superior to classical surgery in spinal fractures are:

1. Immediate Pain Relief Effect: More than 90% of our patients report that the unbearable "bone pain" is cut like a knife immediately after the procedure.

2. Rapid Mobilization: Bed dependency can cause life-threatening risks in elderly patients such as lung infection and blood clots. With this method, the patient starts walking within a few hours.

3. Local Anesthesia Advantage: General anesthesia (narcosis) is a major risk for these elderly and multi-morbid patients. We can safely perform these procedures with only local anesthesia and mild sedation.

4. Permanent Stabilization: The injected cement remains in the bone for life and prevents re-collapse of that region.

5. No Cuts, Low Risk: Surgical scars, stitches, or infection risk are minimal.

Who is a Candidate for This Treatment?

Vertebroplasty and cementoplasty should be considered as the first option in the following situations:

• Osteoporosis-Related Fractures: Painful compression fractures caused by bone loss that don't resolve with medication/rest.

• Bone Tumors and Metastases: In tumor formations that weaken the bone to both relieve pain and strengthen the bone.

• Traumatic Fractures: Some spinal fractures that cause severe pain even in younger patients.

• Hemangiomas: In stabilizing vascular formations that cause pain in the vertebral body.

Doctor's Note: In many patients whose beds are predetermined because they are "elderly and cannot tolerate surgery," this 20-minute procedure creates miraculous results. What is important is to intervene in the early period, rather than waiting for the bone to heal completely wrong after fracture formation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does cement cause side effects in the body?

The PMMA material we use is a biocompatible substance that has been safely used in medicine for decades. The risk of allergic reaction is extremely low.

How long after the procedure can I go home?

For the cement in the bone to fully harden after the procedure, resting in the hospital for approximately 2-3 hours is sufficient. You can leave the clinic the same day by walking.

Is there a risk of paralysis?

Because the procedure is performed with imaging (fluoroscopy), the needle and cement path are monitored in real time. Therefore, the risk of nerve damage or paralysis is incomparably lower than in open surgery.

Conclusion: Reclaim Your Freedom of Movement

Spinal compression fractures do not have to be an unavoidable part of the aging process. Instead of suffering pain and remaining bed-dependent because of "fate," we can repair your bones from the inside with modern interventional radiology techniques.

If you or a family member cannot move due to severe back/spine pain, you can consult our clinic to evaluate vertebroplasty and cementoplasty options.