Spine
Vertebroplasty Relieves Pain And Restores Mobility In Myeloma-Related Spinal Fractures, Study Finds
By Funmi Adewale
Published: Feb 10, 2010 9:46 am
A recent study published in the journal Neurological Sciences determined that injecting bone cement into fracture sites in the spine, a procedure called vertebroplasty, leads to fast pain relief and restored mobility in multiple myeloma patients.
Myeloma cells accelerate processes that degrade bone, resulting in bone lesions and fractures. Spinal fractures, in particular, are a common complication associated with multiple myeloma and can leave patients unable to walk. Treatment options include radiation therapy, medication, and a minimally invasive procedure called vertebroplasty (for further description, see related Beacon article).