Vertebral Repair
Vertebroplasty Surgery
Vertebroplasty Surgery in Phoenix, AZ — Stabilize a Compression Fracture Through a Needle
Vertebroplasty stabilizes a painful vertebral compression fracture by injecting bone cement directly into the broken vertebra — a quick, minimally invasive procedure with fast relief. By injecting medical-grade bone cement into the fractured vertebra, this procedure provides immediate pain relief and prevents further collapse. At Desert Spine and Pain, neurosurgeon Dr. David L. Greenwald, M.D., FAANS, FACS uses advanced vertebroplasty techniques with real-time imaging to ensure precision and safety.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Vertebroplasty treats a painful vertebral compression fracture by injecting bone cement directly into the fractured vertebra through a needle, stabilizing it and relieving the pain. It's a minimally invasive, needle-based procedure — and many patients feel significant relief within a day.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500How Vertebroplasty Works
Procedure Overview
A vertebral compression fracture causes sudden, severe back pain when the front of a vertebra collapses. Vertebroplasty stabilizes it by injecting bone cement directly into the fractured vertebra through a small needle. The cement hardens to support the bone and stop the painful micro-motion of the fracture, which is why relief is often rapid. Unlike kyphoplasty, it doesn't use a balloon to restore height first.
Conditions We Treat
Vertebral Compression Fractures
A collapse of the front of a vertebra, often from osteoporosis.
Learn MoreAm I a Candidate?
Vertebroplasty is considered for a painful vertebral compression fracture confirmed on imaging — often osteoporotic — particularly when pain is severe or not improving with bracing and time. The choice between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty depends on the fracture and your anatomy; because weakened bone signals future-fracture risk, we also address bone health.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Benefits & Risks
Fast relief — often within 24–48 hours; stabilizes the fractured vertebra; minimally invasive, needle-based, outpatient; quick recovery.
Risks include cement leakage (usually harmless but occasionally significant), infection (uncommon), and, rarely, a new fracture at a neighboring level. Dr. Greenwald reviews your individual risks in detail.
Expected Outcomes
Vertebroplasty provides rapid, significant pain relief for most patients with a painful compression fracture. Results are best for relatively recent fractures. We pair it with bone-health care to lower the risk of further fractures, and set clear, individualized expectations.
Life Beyond the Pain
How It's Performed
The procedure is minimally invasive and outpatient, under live X-ray guidance. Through a small needle placed into the fractured vertebra, bone cement is injected to fill and stabilize the bone. Local anesthesia, often with light sedation, keeps you comfortable, and you typically go home the same day.
Your procedure is performed by Dr. Greenwald at an affiliated, accredited surgical facility — not in the clinic office — with a full surgical and anesthesia team.
Recovery & Return to Activity
| Timeframe | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Same day | Usually home the same day. Many patients notice significant pain relief within 24–48 hours. |
| First week | Gradual return to normal activity; brief soreness at the needle site is common. |
| Weeks 2–4 | Most normal activities resume; we address bone health to reduce future-fracture risk. |
| Month 2+ | Most of the benefit is realized; ongoing osteoporosis management as needed. |
Vertebroplasty is needle-based, so recovery is quick. Addressing the underlying bone health is an important part of the plan to reduce the chance of future compression fractures.
Insurance, Out-of-Network & Cost
Cost and coverage shouldn't stand between you and relief. Desert Spine and Pain welcomes out-of-network patients and will walk you through what your evaluation and treatment are likely to involve before anything is scheduled — so there are no surprises. We'll help you understand your benefits and options, whether you're using insurance, paying out-of-pocket, or being treated under a personal-injury claim.
Injured in an Accident?
If your pain started with a car accident, slip-and-fall, or work injury, we offer a dedicated pathway: prompt evaluation, thorough documentation and records for your case, and direct coordination with your personal-injury attorney. You focus on recovering; we handle the medical side.
Schedule Your ConsultationProudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area
Patients travel to Desert Spine and Pain from across Arizona for specialist spine care — because the right spine surgeon is worth the drive. We welcome patients from Phoenix and communities throughout the Valley and beyond:
…and surrounding Arizona communities. Out-of-network patients are welcome, and no referral is required — schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix
Choosing the right spine specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a spine doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.
A rare dual credential — so the specialist who treats you can also perform surgery if it's ever needed.
Most patients get better without surgery. We only advance when your condition truly requires it.
No referral needed. We make it straightforward to see a top spine specialist, even out-of-network.
24/7 concierge response and close coordination with personal-injury attorneys.
Stabilize a compression fracture, fast.
See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix for prompt, minimally invasive vertebroplasty.
Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500Vertebroplasty: Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty?
Both inject bone cement to stabilize the fracture. Vertebroplasty injects cement directly; kyphoplasty first inflates a balloon to restore some lost height before placing the cement.
How quickly will my pain improve?
Many patients feel significant relief within 24–48 hours, because the fractured bone is stabilized.
Is it surgery?
Not open surgery. It's a minimally invasive, needle-based outpatient procedure done under live X-ray guidance, usually with local anesthesia and light sedation.
Which is better for me — vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty?
It depends on the fracture and your anatomy. We'll recommend the one most likely to relieve your pain and stabilize the bone.
Do I need a referral in Phoenix?
No. You can schedule directly with our Phoenix spine specialists, and we welcome out-of-network patients.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD
Neuro-Spine Surgeon
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Phone: (602) 566-9500
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If you’re struggling with back pain caused by a spinal compression fracture, vertebroplasty may be an effective and immediate solution. Dr. Greenwald and his compassionate team will evaluate your condition, review imaging, and determine whether this procedure is right for you. Every step you take toward treatment brings you closer to comfort, confidence, and restored mobility. Schedule your consultation today and learn how Dr. Greenwald’s expertise in vertebroplasty can help you regain strength and live pain-free.
Voted Best Spine Doctor
Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS
Neurosurgeon | Spine Surgeon | Regenerative Medicine
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, is a board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon with advanced expertise in vertebroplasty. He commonly uses it to treat conditions such as vertebral compression fractures and spinal fractures, which can cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Using advanced, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, Dr. Greenwald relieves nerve compression and instability while protecting healthy tissue and preserving spinal stability. His skill and patient-centered approach help patients throughout the greater Phoenix, Arizona area experience meaningful pain relief, reduced recovery time, and restored mobility.
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