Sacroplasty Procedure

What is Sacroplasty?

Sacroplasty procedure is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve pain and improve stability in patients suffering from sacral fractures. These fractures often occur due to osteoporosis, trauma, or long-term use of steroids. The procedure involves injecting bone cement into the fractured sacrum to act as an internal cast, promoting structural support and pain relief.

Disease Overview

Osteoporosis is a progressive disease that weakens bones, making them more fragile and prone to fractures. It is often referred to as a “silent” disease because bone loss occurs gradually without symptoms until a fracture occurs. Post-menopausal women and elderly individuals are at higher risk, though younger patients taking long-term corticosteroids may also develop sacral fractures.

Sacroplasty Technique

Sacroplasty is performed using minimally invasive techniques under fluoroscopic or CT guidance. The steps of the procedure include:

Patient Positioning: The patient lies face-down on the procedure table.
Local Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area. In some cases, mild sedation may be used for additional comfort.
Needle Placement: A small incision is made, and a hollow needle is carefully inserted through the back into the fractured sacrum. Imaging guidance ensures precise needle placement.
Bone Cement Injection: A specialized bone cement mixture is slowly injected into the fracture site, filling the gaps and stabilizing the bone. The cement hardens within minutes, acting as an internal cast.
Needle Removal and Closure: Once the cement is in place, the needle is withdrawn, and the incision is closed using steri-strips.

Indications for Sacroplasty

Sacroplasty is recommended for patients experiencing persistent sacral pain due to fractures, particularly when conservative treatments such as:

Bed rest
Back bracing
Pain medication (NSAIDs, opioids)

…fail to provide relief or cause side effects like drowsiness or gastrointestinal complications. The procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who cannot tolerate prolonged immobility or require a quicker return to activity.

Sacroplasty Recovery Time

Most patients experience significant pain relief within hours or days after the Sacroplasty procedure. The typical recovery timeline includes:

Immediate Post-Procedure: Patients may be monitored for a short period before being discharged.
First 24-48 Hours: Mild soreness at the injection site may be present but is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.
Within One Week: Patients can typically return to light activities with minimal restrictions.
Full Recovery: While pain relief is often immediate, complete healing and bone integration may take several weeks.

Why Choose Texas Spine Group for Sacroplasty Procedure?

At Texas Spine Group, we specialize in cutting-edge, minimally invasive spine procedures, ensuring faster recovery and improved outcomes. Dr. Zain Mirza is an expert in sacroplasty and spinal fracture management, providing patient-centered care with the latest techniques for optimal pain relief and stability. Our team is dedicated to personalized treatment plans, helping patients regain mobility and quality of life.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you are experiencing persistent sacral pain or have been diagnosed with a sacral fracture, sacroplasty procedure may be the right solution for you. Contact Dallas Spine Surgery today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options.