OSTEOPOROSIS-RELATED VERTEBRAL FRACTURES CAN OCCUR FROM ACTIVITIES AS GENTLE AS OPENING A WINDOW, AND OFTEN GO UNDIAGNOSED.
Vertebral fractures are caused by trauma or bone weakening from osteoporosis. They are extremely painful and at times very difficult to treat. Potent opioids may be necessary to control the pain.
A relative new procedure places a needle into the bone, and under close vigilance with fluoroscopy, cement is injected. When dry, the cement will act as a cast inside the bone. Also, by filling the vertebrae with cement, the normal anatomy may be restored.
