Which procedure is commonly used to treat vertebral pain and instability related to osteoporosis?

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat vertebral pain and instability that arises from conditions like osteoporosis. During this procedure, a special cement mixture is injected into the vertebrae that have collapsed or are fractured due to osteoporosis. This solidifies the vertebral body, providing stabilization, reducing pain, and restoring functionality. It is particularly effective for patients experiencing acute pain from vertebral compression fractures, which are often seen in those with osteoporosis.

The procedure aims to relieve pain and improve mobility, making it an essential option for patients who may not be suitable candidates for more invasive surgical interventions. By stabilizing the vertebra, vertebroplasty helps prevent further complications associated with vertebral fractures, such as nerve compression or chronic pain.

Other options like kyphoplasty, while similar in purpose, involve creating a cavity before cement injection and may also lift the compressed vertebra, providing additional benefits in certain cases. Discography, on the other hand, is primarily a diagnostic tool rather than a treatment, and spinal fusion is a more invasive procedure that is typically reserved for more complex spinal conditions rather than addressing osteoporosis-related vertebral instability alone.