Stabilize sacral fractures and relieve pain with sacroplasty

Sacroplasty

Sacroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat painful sacral fractures often caused by osteoporosis. Using imaging guidance, two needles are inserted into the sacrum on both sides of the fracture, and a special bone cement is injected to stabilize the fracture and reduce pain. This procedure is typically performed when conservative treatments have not been effective, providing significant pain relief for most patients.

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About Sacroplasty

Sacroplasty is a specialized procedure designed to treat fractures of the sacrum, the large triangular bone at the base of the spine. These fractures are often due to osteoporosis, a condition where bones become weak and brittle, making them more susceptible to breaks. Sacral fractures can cause intense pain and significantly impact a patient’s mobility and quality of life. Sacroplasty offers a minimally invasive solution that helps stabilize the fracture and provides substantial pain relief.

During sacroplasty, a healthcare provider uses imaging guidance, such as live CT scans, or fluoroscopy, to precisely insert two hollow needles into the sacrum, one on each side of the fracture. A medical-grade bone cement is then injected into the fractured area through the needles. This cement hardens quickly, acting like an internal cast that stabilizes the bone and reduces pain. The entire procedure is performed under local anesthesia, typically taking less than an hour. Sacroplasty is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home the same day and often resume normal activities shortly afterward.

This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as bed rest, bracing, or pain medication, or for those who experience significant side effects from these treatments. By directly targeting the fracture site, sacroplasty provides a quick and effective way to relieve pain and improve stability, helping patients regain their mobility and quality of life.

Conditions Treated with Sacroplasty

Sacroplasty is primarily used to treat sacral fractures caused by:

Osteoporosis, particularly in elderly patients or post-menopausal women
Long-term steroid use that weakens bones
Trauma or other conditions that lead to sacral bone weakening

The procedure is ideal for patients who have not found relief through non-surgical treatments and are seeking a minimally invasive solution to manage their pain and stabilize their fractures.

Benefits and Effectiveness of Sacroplasty

Sacroplasty offers several benefits, including:

Significant Pain Relief: Most patients experience a marked reduction in pain shortly after the procedure.
Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves only small incisions, reducing recovery time and the risk of complications.
Improved Stability: The injection of bone cement stabilizes the fracture, enhancing mobility and reducing the risk of further injury.
Quick Recovery: Sacroplasty is usually done as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to return home the same day and quickly resume daily activities.

Risks

While sacroplasty is generally safe, there are some risks, including:

Bleeding or bruising at the injection site
Infection
Allergic reactions to anesthesia
Leakage of bone cement into surrounding tissues or veins (rare)
Cement migration, which could cause complications if it travels to the lungs (very rare)

It is important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider to determine if sacroplasty is the right option for you.

Contact Us About Sacroplasty

If you are experiencing pain from a sacral fracture that has not improved with conservative treatment, sacroplasty may provide the relief you need. Contact our radiology team in Southwest Florida, Cape Coral, or Fort Myers to schedule a consultation and learn more about this minimally invasive procedure.

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