What is Sacroplasty?
Sacroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize sacral insufficiency fractures—tiny breaks in the sacrum (the bone at the base of the spine). Similar to vertebroplasty, it involves the injection of medical-grade bone cement into the fractured sacrum to reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote faster recovery. This procedure is often performed under image guidance, such as fluoroscopy or CT, to ensure precise placement of the cement.
When is Sacroplasty Recommended?
Sacroplasty may be recommended for patients who have:
- Osteoporotic sacral fractures causing persistent pain despite conservative treatment.
- Pain from metastatic disease or bone lesions in the sacrum.
- Fractures due to trauma or long-term steroid use.
- Difficulty with walking, standing, or daily activities because of sacral pain.
- Poor tolerance to prolonged bed rest or oral pain medications.
How is Sacroplasty Performed?
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Using fluoroscopic or CT guidance, the physician inserts a thin needle into the sacrum through small skin incisions. Once the needle is positioned correctly, bone cement is carefully injected into the fracture site. The cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the bone and providing pain relief—often within hours.
What to Expect During Recovery after Sacroplasty?
Most patients experience immediate or rapid pain relief and can resume light activity within a day. Hospital stays are usually short, and recovery involves gradual return to normal movement. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore strength and mobility.
What are the Risks of Sacroplasty?
Though rare, potential risks include:
- Cement leakage
- Nerve irritation or injury
- Infection at the injection site
- Bleeding or allergic reaction to materials
What are the Benefits of Sacroplasty?
This procedure offers several benefits, including:
- Rapid and lasting pain relief
- Improved mobility and independence
- Reduced need for opioids or bed rest
- Short recovery time and low complication rate
