Vertebroplasty

What this procedure is

Vertebroplasty is a procedure used to help stabilize a broken bone in your back, called a vertebra. During the process, a doctor uses a special type of medical cement to strengthen the bone. This cement acts like an internal cast to hold the bone in place and prevent it from moving or collapsing further.

The procedure is usually "minimally invasive," which means it is done through a very small opening in the skin rather than a large incision. Your clinician will use live X-ray imaging to guide a small needle into the damaged bone. Once the needle is in the right spot, the cement is injected. It hardens quickly, usually within about 20 minutes.

What it treats or fixes

This procedure is primarily used to treat "compression fractures." These are small breaks that cause the bones in the spine to flatten or collapse. These fractures can be very painful and may make it difficult to walk or move comfortably. The main goals of the procedure are to reduce pain and help you return to your normal activities.

Common reasons a clinician might recommend vertebroplasty include:

• Osteoporosis: A condition that causes bones to become thin and brittle, making them more likely to break.
• Bone tumors: Certain types of cancer or non-cancerous growths that weaken the spinal bones.
• Spinal injuries: Physical trauma that leads to a collapse of the vertebra.

It is often considered when other treatments, such as bed rest, back braces, or pain medications, have not provided enough relief.

How common it is & where it's done

Vertebroplasty is a common procedure, especially for older adults who have experienced bone loss. It is widely available across North America and is performed by specialists such as interventional radiologists, neurosurgeons, or orthopedic surgeons.

The procedure is typically done in a hospital or an outpatient surgical center. In most cases, it is an "outpatient" procedure, meaning you can often go home the same day. You will usually stay in a recovery area for a few hours after the injection so the medical team can monitor you while the cement fully sets and any sedation wears off.

Recovery: What to Expect

After the procedure, you will usually stay in a recovery area for one to two hours. This allows the medical cement to fully harden and gives your care team time to monitor you. Most patients can go home the same day, though you will need a friend or family member to drive you.

For the first 24 hours, your clinician may suggest resting at home. You can usually return to your normal daily activities soon after, but you should avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise for a few weeks. You might feel some soreness at the small spot where the needle was placed. An ice pack can often help with this mild discomfort.

It is important to watch for signs that you need extra care. Contact your clinician if you experience:

• A fever or chills.
• Increased pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site.
• New weakness or numbness in your legs.

Risks & Possible Complications

Vertebroplasty is generally considered a safe procedure. However, like any medical treatment, there are some risks to consider. Your care team will discuss these with you before the procedure to ensure it is the right choice for your health.

One possibility is that a small amount of the medical cement may leak out of the vertebral body (the main part of the spine bone). In most cases, this does not cause any symptoms or problems. Other rare complications can include infection, bleeding, or temporary nerve irritation. Your clinician uses live X-ray imaging during the procedure to help place the cement as precisely as possible and minimize these risks.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

Many patients feel significant pain relief within 24 to 72 hours after the procedure. This relief often allows people to move more easily and return to their favorite activities. For many, the goal is to reduce the need for strong pain medications and improve their overall quality of life.

It is important to remember that vertebroplasty treats the specific fracture, but it does not cure the underlying cause, such as osteoporosis (a condition that makes bones thin and brittle). Your clinician may recommend continuing other treatments, like calcium supplements or bone-strengthening medications, to help prevent future fractures in other areas of the spine.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

Dealing with back pain from a spinal fracture can be stressful and may limit your independence. It is natural to feel anxious about a procedure involving your spine. Remember that vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive treatment designed to help you get back to your routine with less discomfort.

Your medical team is there to support you. Feel free to ask questions about what to expect during and after the procedure. Knowing the steps of the process can often help you feel more confident and relaxed as you begin your path to recovery.

Why doctors recommend it

Vertebroplasty is a procedure used to treat painful small breaks in the spine called compression fractures. These fractures happen when a bone in your back (a vertebra) becomes weak and collapses. This is most often caused by osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones thin and brittle, though it can sometimes be caused by certain types of cancer or injuries.

Your clinician may recommend this procedure if you have severe back pain that makes it hard to move or perform daily tasks. It is usually considered when other treatments—such as bed rest, back braces, or pain medications—have not provided enough relief after several weeks. The procedure involves injecting a special medical-grade cement into the bone to help it stay strong.

Urgent vs planned treatment

In most cases, vertebroplasty is a planned procedure rather than an emergency. Doctors often prefer to wait and see if the bone begins to heal on its own with conservative care. Your care team will typically use imaging tests, such as an MRI or a bone scan, to confirm that the fracture is the actual source of your pain before scheduling the treatment.

While it is usually scheduled in advance, your clinician might move more quickly if your pain is so intense that you are unable to get out of bed. Staying immobile for a long time can lead to other health problems, such as blood clots or lung issues. In these situations, the procedure may be performed sooner to help you regain your mobility and prevent further complications.

Goals of treatment

The primary goal of vertebroplasty is to stabilize the fractured bone. The medical cement acts like an internal cast, hardening quickly to support the bone from the inside. This helps prevent the bone fragments from rubbing against each other, which is often the cause of the sharp pain.

By stabilizing the spine, the treatment aims to achieve the following:

• Reduce pain: Many patients feel a significant decrease in back pain within hours or days of the procedure.
• Improve mobility: With less pain, you may find it easier to walk, sit, and return to your normal daily routine.
• Prevent further collapse: The cement helps keep the bone from losing more height or breaking further, which helps maintain the alignment of your spine.

Who may benefit

Vertebroplasty is a procedure used to treat painful compression fractures in the spine. These are small breaks or "cracks" in the vertebrae (the bones that make up your backbone). This procedure is most often used for people whose fractures are caused by osteoporosis, a condition that makes bones thin and brittle.

Your clinician may suggest this option if you have severe pain that makes it hard to move or perform daily tasks. It is also sometimes used for fractures caused by certain types of bone cancer or physical injuries. The main goal is to stabilize the bone and reduce pain by injecting a special medical-grade cement into the fracture.

Usually, this procedure is considered after other treatments—like bed rest, back braces, or pain medications—have not provided enough relief. It is most effective when performed on newer fractures, typically those that happened within the last few months.

When it may not be the right option

Vertebroplasty is not the right choice for everyone with back pain. If your pain is caused by other common issues, such as a herniated disc, arthritis, or narrowing of the spinal canal, this procedure likely will not help. It is specifically designed to treat the bone fracture itself, not general muscle or nerve pain.

Your care team may advise against the procedure if the fracture has already healed on its own or if the bone has been broken for a very long time. In these cases, the cement may not be able to improve your symptoms. It is also generally avoided if you have an active infection in the bone or your bloodstream, or if you have a bleeding disorder that makes surgery risky.

Finally, if a fracture is stable and does not cause significant pain, your clinician may recommend continuing with "conservative" care, such as physical therapy and monitoring, rather than a procedure.

Questions to ask your care team

Deciding on a procedure is a big step. You may want to bring a list of questions to your next appointment to help you feel more comfortable with the process. Here are a few smart questions to ask:

• How long has it been since my fracture occurred, and is this the best time for the procedure?
• What are the specific risks and benefits for someone with my health history?
• Will I need to stay in the hospital overnight, or is this an outpatient procedure?
• How soon after the procedure can I expect to feel pain relief?
• What will my activity limits be during the first few weeks of recovery?
• Are there other treatments, like physical therapy or different medications, we should try first?

In the procedure room

When you arrive for your vertebroplasty, you will be guided to a specialized treatment room. You will typically be asked to lie on your stomach on a padded table. The medical team may use pillows or cushions to help you stay in a comfortable position during the process.

The room contains advanced imaging equipment, such as a live X-ray machine called a fluoroscope. This allows the clinician to see your spine clearly on a monitor throughout the procedure. You will also be connected to equipment that helps the team keep a close eye on your vital signs.

High-level steps

The procedure generally follows these steps:

• Preparation: The clinician cleans the skin on your back with an antiseptic solution and covers the area with a sterile drape.
• Guidance: Using live X-ray images for guidance, the clinician passes a hollow needle through the skin and into the fractured vertebra (the bone in your spine).
• Injection: A special medical-grade bone cement is injected through the needle into the bone. This cement is designed to fill the cracks and stabilize the fracture.
• Completion: Once the bone is filled, the needle is removed. Because the opening is very small, no stitches are usually required; a simple bandage is placed over the site.

Anesthesia and pain control

To keep you comfortable, your clinician will likely use a local anesthetic to numb the area of your back where the needle will be inserted. This helps block pain at the site. Many patients also receive "conscious sedation" through an IV line. This medication helps you feel very relaxed and sleepy, though you will remain awake and able to follow instructions.

During the injection of the cement, you might feel a sensation of pressure or a brief increase in discomfort. However, the numbing medicine and sedation are used to ensure the experience is as painless as possible. In some cases, if a patient cannot lie still or has complex needs, general anesthesia may be used.

Monitoring and safety steps

Safety is a priority during the procedure. The medical team continuously monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. The use of live X-ray imaging is a critical safety step; it allows the clinician to watch the cement as it enters the bone to ensure it stays in the correct position and does not move into unwanted areas.

The clinician also monitors the amount of cement used to ensure the bone is properly stabilized without overfilling. These steps help reduce the risk of complications and ensure the procedure is performed accurately.

Immediately after the procedure

After the needle is removed, you will be moved to a recovery room. You will typically be asked to lie flat on your back for one to two hours. This period of rest is important because it allows the bone cement to fully harden and set within your vertebra. During this time, nurses will check your vital signs and monitor the small bandage on your back.

Most patients are able to go home the same day once the sedation wears off and they can walk comfortably. You may feel some soreness at the needle site for a few days, which can often be managed with an ice pack or mild pain relievers as recommended by your clinician.

Typical procedure length

A vertebroplasty is a relatively quick procedure. It usually takes about one hour to treat a single vertebra. If your clinician needs to treat more than one bone during the same session, the process may take slightly longer. You should also plan for extra time before the procedure for preparation and a few hours afterward for recovery and observation.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

Vertebroplasty is almost always performed as a minimally invasive procedure rather than open surgery. In a minimally invasive approach, the doctor does not need to make large cuts or expose the spine. Instead, they make a tiny nick in the skin—usually too small to require stitches—and insert a hollow needle directly into the fractured bone.

Doctors use continuous X-ray images, known as fluoroscopy, or sometimes CT scans to guide the needle safely into the correct spot. Once the needle is in place, medical-grade cement is injected into the vertebra to stabilize it. This approach is generally chosen because it lowers the risk of infection, reduces blood loss, and allows for a much faster recovery compared to open surgery.

Open surgery is rarely used for a standalone vertebroplasty. It is typically reserved for more complex cases where the spine requires extensive reconstruction or if nerve decompression is needed at the same time.

Partial vs total

The concepts of "partial" or "total" replacement—often heard in knee or hip surgery—do not typically apply to vertebroplasty. This procedure does not involve removing or replacing the bone. Instead, the goal is to reinforce the existing, damaged bone to prevent it from collapsing further.

During the procedure, the cement fills the cracks and voids within the fractured vertebra. You might consider this a "targeted" repair. The doctor aims to stabilize the specific part of the spine causing pain while leaving the surrounding healthy bone and tissue undisturbed.

Revision or repeat procedures

Vertebroplasty is usually a one-time treatment for a specific fracture. However, patients with osteoporosis (weakened bones) may develop new fractures in other vertebrae later on. If a new fracture occurs at a different level of the spine, a repeat procedure may be performed to treat that new area.

There is a small risk that the cement-strengthened bone may be harder than the natural bones next to it, which can sometimes place extra stress on adjacent vertebrae. If this leads to a new fracture nearby, your clinician may suggest treating the adjacent bone as well.

Revising or re-treating the same vertebra is less common. However, if pain persists or returns after the initial procedure, your doctor will use imaging tests to see if the cement is holding properly or if another issue is causing the symptoms.

Tests and imaging that may be done

To plan your procedure safely, your healthcare team needs to see the exact location and shape of the spinal fracture. They will likely perform a physical exam to check where your back hurts. You may also undergo one or more of the following imaging tests:

• X-rays: These provide a quick look at the bones in your spine.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This scan uses magnets to create detailed pictures of soft tissues and bones. It helps doctors see if the fracture is new or old.
• CT (Computed Tomography) scan: This uses X-rays to make cross-sectional images, offering a 3D view of the spine.

Your clinician may also order blood tests. These check your general health and ensure your blood clots normally, which is important for preventing bleeding issues during the procedure.

Medication adjustments

It is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter pain relievers, herbs, and vitamins. You should also list any allergies, especially to anesthesia, contrast dye (used in X-rays), or latex.

Some medicines can thin your blood and increase the risk of bleeding. Your doctor may ask you to stop taking these for a short time before the procedure. Common examples include:

• Aspirin
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants) like warfarin

Important: Only stop medicines if your clinician instructs you to do so. They will let you know which medications are safe to take on the morning of your procedure, often with a small sip of water.

Day-before and day-of instructions

Your care team will give you a checklist to help you get ready. Following these steps helps ensure the procedure goes smoothly.

• Fasting: You will likely be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the procedure. This often means having no food or water after midnight the night before.
• Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. You will usually change into a hospital gown. Leave jewelry, eyeglasses, and other valuables at home.
• Transportation: Because you may receive sedation or anesthesia, you will not be allowed to drive immediately after the procedure. Arrange for a friend or relative to drive you home.

If you get sick (such as a fever or the flu) in the days leading up to your appointment, call your doctor’s office. They may prefer to reschedule the vertebroplasty for when you are feeling better.

General surgical risks

Vertebroplasty is generally considered a safe, minimally invasive procedure. However, like any medical treatment that involves a needle or breaking the skin, there are standard risks. The most common general risks include a small chance of infection at the puncture site or bleeding. These issues are typically minor and can be managed by your healthcare team.

Some patients may also experience an allergic reaction to the medications used. This can include a reaction to the contrast dye (a fluid used to help the doctor see the spine clearly on X-rays) or the anesthesia. Your doctor will monitor your vital signs closely throughout the procedure to handle any reactions immediately.

Procedure-specific complications

There are specific risks related to the use of bone cement near the spine. The most common complication is cement leakage. This occurs if a small amount of the medical-grade cement flows outside the fractured vertebra before it hardens. In many cases, this leakage does not cause any symptoms or long-term problems.

In rare cases, if the cement leaks into the spinal canal or presses against nearby nerves, it may cause complications such as:

• Numbness or tingling
• Weakness in the area
• New or increased back pain

Other rare complications can include the cement traveling to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or injury to the ribs. Additionally, while the procedure strengthens the treated bone, there is a possibility that the vertebrae next to it may fracture in the future, often due to the progression of osteoporosis.

How complications are treated

Your clinician takes active steps to prevent complications before they happen. During the procedure, they use real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to guide the needle precisely and watch exactly where the cement flows. This careful monitoring helps keep the cement inside the target bone and reduces the risk of leakage.

If complications do occur, effective treatments are available:

• Infections: These are typically treated with antibiotics.
• Nerve pressure: If leaking cement presses on a nerve or the spinal cord, a second procedure may be needed to remove the cement and relieve the pressure.
• Pain or soreness: Temporary discomfort at the injection site is common and is usually managed with ice or pain relievers.

Pain control medicines

Before the procedure begins, your clinician will use a local anesthetic. This is a numbing medicine injected into the skin and deeper tissues near the site of the fracture. It helps ensure you do not feel sharp pain during the treatment. Many patients also receive sedation, which is medicine given through an IV to help you feel relaxed and sleepy.

In some cases, your clinician may use general anesthesia, which means you will be completely asleep during the procedure. After the vertebroplasty is finished, you may feel some soreness where the needle was inserted. Your care team might suggest mild over-the-counter pain relievers or short-term prescription medicines to keep you comfortable as you heal.

Antibiotics

To help prevent infection, your clinician may give you a dose of antibiotics before the procedure starts. These are medicines that kill or stop the growth of bacteria. Because vertebroplasty involves placing a needle and medical-grade bone cement into the spine, keeping the area sterile is a top priority.

Your clinician will tailor the choice of antibiotic based on your health history and any known allergies. It is important to tell your medical team if you have ever had a reaction to specific medications in the past, as this helps them choose the safest option for you.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

If you take blood thinners (also called anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications), your clinician will provide specific instructions on how to manage them. These medicines, which include common options like aspirin or prescription heart medications, can increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure. You may be asked to stop taking them for a few days before the treatment.

Your care team will also review your risk for blood clots. While vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, staying mobile afterward is often encouraged to help keep your blood flowing well. Always talk to your clinician before making any changes to your regular medication schedule to ensure it is done safely and to avoid any dangerous drug interactions.

Emergency warning signs

While serious complications are rare, it is important to act quickly if you experience signs of a severe reaction. In very rare cases, the bone cement used during the procedure can leak into the blood vessels and travel to the lungs. This requires immediate medical attention.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:

• Sudden chest pain
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Sudden weakness or loss of feeling in your legs
• Loss of control over your bladder or bowels

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

Most recovery issues can be managed by your healthcare team if caught early. Contact your surgeon or care team if you notice signs of infection or if your pain is not managed by your current plan.

Reach out to your doctor if you experience:

• A fever (usually over 101°F or 38.3°C, or as directed by your surgeon)
• Redness, swelling, or warmth around the spot where the needle was inserted
• Fluid or pus draining from the puncture site
• Pain that gets worse or is not helped by your prescribed pain medicine
• New numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or arms

Expected vs concerning symptoms

It can be hard to tell the difference between normal recovery aches and signs of a problem. Knowing what to expect can help you stay calm.

What is usually normal:

• Soreness at the injection site: It is common to feel sore or tender where the needle entered your back. This usually goes away within a few days and can often be helped with an ice pack.
• Quick pain relief: Many patients feel relief from their fracture pain almost immediately or within 48 hours.

What is concerning:

• Returning pain: If your back pain goes away but then comes back a few days or weeks later, let your doctor know.
• New nerve symptoms: While some soreness is expected, you should not feel new burning sensations, shooting pain, or numbness moving down your limbs.

Non-surgical treatments

Before considering a procedure like vertebroplasty, your clinician may suggest several non-surgical ways to manage a spinal fracture. The goal is to reduce pain and help the bone heal naturally. Common options include short-term bed rest, wearing a back brace for support, and taking pain-relieving medications.

Your care team might also recommend:

• Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around your spine and improve your balance.
• Osteoporosis medication: Drugs that help strengthen your bones to prevent future fractures.
• Heat or ice therapy: Simple treatments to help soothe muscle aches related to the injury.

Watchful waiting

In many cases, a compression fracture (a small break in the vertebra) will heal on its own over time. Your clinician may suggest "watchful waiting," which means monitoring your symptoms for several weeks to see if the pain improves without surgery. Many people find that their pain starts to fade within four to six weeks of conservative care.

During this time, it is important to stay as active as your pain allows while avoiding heavy lifting. Your doctor will check to see if the bone is stabilizing and if you are regaining your ability to move comfortably. If the pain stays the same or gets worse during this period, they may discuss moving forward with a procedure.

When surgery becomes the best option

Vertebroplasty is often considered when non-surgical treatments do not provide enough relief. If your pain is so severe that it prevents you from walking or performing daily activities, a procedure may be necessary. Staying immobile for too long can lead to other health issues, such as blood clots or lung problems, so getting back on your feet safely is a priority.

Your clinician may recommend the procedure if:

• Your pain has not improved after several weeks of rest and medication.
• The fracture is relatively new and has not yet fully hardened or healed in a collapsed position.
• The pain is caused by a tumor or a specific type of bone weakness that is unlikely to improve on its own.

The decision is usually based on how much the pain is affecting your quality of life and whether the fracture is stable enough to wait longer for natural healing.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

Vertebroplasty is a procedure where a doctor injects medical-grade bone cement into a fractured vertebra (a bone in your spine). This is most often performed in the Interventional Radiology department of a hospital. These specialists use advanced imaging, like X-rays, to see inside the body in real-time while they work.

You may also find this service in departments focused on Orthopedics (bone health) or Neurosurgery (spine and nerve health). Some hospitals have dedicated Pain Management Centers where specialists focus specifically on treating chronic back pain caused by compression fractures.

Patient resources and support services

Recovery often involves more than just the procedure itself. Many hospitals offer Physical Therapy to help you regain strength and learn how to move safely while your back heals. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to improve your posture and protect your spine from future injuries.

Because many spinal fractures are caused by osteoporosis (a condition that makes bones weak and brittle), your care team may connect you with bone health specialists. These resources often include:

• Nutrition counseling to ensure you get enough calcium and Vitamin D for bone strength.
• Fall prevention programs to help you stay safe and steady at home.
• Pain management specialists who can help if you have discomfort during the healing process.
• Social workers or discharge planners who can help arrange for home care or medical equipment if needed.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

When deciding where to have your procedure, it is helpful to ask about the facility's experience and the support they provide. Your clinician may suggest looking for a center that performs a high volume of spine procedures to ensure the best results.

Consider asking these questions during your consultation:

• How many vertebroplasty procedures does this team perform each year?
• What type of imaging guidance is used to ensure the cement is placed accurately?
• Will I be able to go home the same day, or does the hospital usually require an overnight stay for observation?
• What kind of follow-up care or physical therapy do you provide after the procedure?
• Who should I contact if I have questions or concerns during my recovery at home?

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

Vertebroplasty is most often used to treat small breaks in the spine called compression fractures. These fractures happen when a bone in the spine (vertebra) collapses or becomes weak. Your clinician may suggest this procedure if these fractures cause significant pain or make it hard for you to move.

Common conditions that can lead to these fractures include:

• Osteoporosis: This is a condition where bones become thin and brittle. It is the most frequent reason people may need this procedure.
• Cancer: Certain types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma or tumors that have spread from other parts of the body, can weaken the spinal bones.
• Vertebral Hemangiomas: These are non-cancerous growths made of blood vessels that can sometimes weaken a vertebra.

In many cases, your clinician may first recommend conservative treatments like bed rest, pain medication, or a back brace. If these methods do not provide enough relief, vertebroplasty might be considered as an option.

Related symptoms people search for

People who consider this procedure often experience specific types of discomfort. These symptoms can vary from person to person, so it is important to have a healthcare provider evaluate your specific situation.

Common symptoms that may be associated with spinal compression fractures include:

• Sudden, sharp back pain that does not go away with rest.
• Pain that feels worse when you are standing or walking.
• Pain that feels better or less intense when you lie down on your back.
• A noticeable loss of height over time.
• A curved or hunched posture, sometimes called kyphosis.
• Difficulty bending or twisting the torso comfortably.

If you notice these changes, your healthcare provider can help determine if a fracture is the cause. They can also discuss whether your symptoms are related to bone density issues or other underlying health conditions.

Evidence overview

Vertebroplasty is widely used to treat painful spinal compression fractures, which are often caused by osteoporosis. The main goals of the procedure are to stabilize the fractured bone and reduce pain. Many patients report significant relief and an improved ability to move or walk shortly after the treatment.

Medical research on vertebroplasty has shown mixed results. While many clinical experiences and studies indicate that the procedure is effective for pain relief, other research suggests that for some patients, the results may be similar to non-surgical management. Because of this, clinicians typically recommend vertebroplasty only when conservative treatments—such as bed rest, pain medication, or back bracing—have not provided enough relief.

Safety notes and individualized care

Vertebroplasty is generally considered a safe, minimally invasive procedure. However, like all medical treatments, it carries some risks. Your healthcare team will review your specific medical history to help decide if the benefits outweigh the potential risks in your case.

Possible risks your clinician may discuss with you include:

• Cement leakage: A small amount of the bone cement used to stabilize the fracture can leak out of the vertebra. This often causes no symptoms, but in rare cases, it may press on nearby nerves or the spinal cord, requiring further treatment.
• Infection or bleeding: There is a small risk of infection or bleeding at the spot where the needle enters the skin.
• Allergic reactions: Some patients may react to the materials used, such as the contrast dye used for imaging during the procedure.
• Adjacent fractures: There is a possibility that the bones next to the treated area may fracture in the future.

Your doctor will monitor you closely after the procedure to ensure you are recovering well and to manage any side effects.