A new study came out in the New England Journal of Medicine regarding Vertebroplasty and its ineffectiveness. The randomized controlled trial found no beneficial effect to the popular procedure compared to a sham procedure.
If your doctor is suggesting Vertebroplasty, you might want a second opinion, or talk to your doctor about these studies. This procedure is not free of risk as there has been reported deaths with the procedure as well as lung and heart damage.
Here are the conclusions from each study:
A Randomized Trial of Vertebroplasty for Painful Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures
New England Journal of Medicine – Volume 361:557-568 August 6, 2009 Number 6
Conclusions We found no beneficial effect of vertebroplasty as compared with a sham procedure in patients with painful osteoporotic vertebral fractures, at 1 week or at 1, 3, or 6 months after treatment.
A Randomized Trial of Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Spinal Fractures
New England Journal of Medicine – Volume 361:569-579 August 6, 2009 Number 6
Conclusions Improvements in pain and pain-related disability associated with osteoporotic compression fractures in patients treated with vertebroplasty were similar to the improvements in a control group.
To Your Health,
Dr. Trent Artichoker MS, DC
Denver Chiropractic, LLC
3890 Federal Blvd Unit 1
Denver, CO 80211
303-455-2225