Sacral fractures can occur that impact the stability of the spine. They are usually caused by trauma or injury, as well as be indicative of osteoporosis and stress on the sacrum. These small fractures cause localized pain in the lower back, hips and buttocks that is often misdiagnosed. Our spine specialists at Hanowell Spine Clinic in Covington, GA, can help diagnose sacrum fractures and offer treatment options, including sacroplasty.
Sacroplasty is performed similarly to vertebroplasty, only localized for sacral fractures. The procedure uses high-viscosity bone cement to stabilize damaged sacral wings and bodies with fractures. The sacrum fractures can be accessed using a fluoroscope-guided needle that delivers bone cement into the fractures. Stabilizing the sacrum bodies can reduce lower back and pelvic pain and slow further deterioration of the sacrum. There are two different techniques used in sacroplasty, long axis and short axis, to access different areas in the sacrum.
Long and Short Axis Sacroplasty
Both long and short axis sacroplasty techniques deliver bone cement to stabilize sacrum fractures. The location of the fracture and other factors can determine whether a long axis or short axis method is used to reinforce the sacrum body. Both are minimally invasive, using a fluoroscope or x-ray guided cannula to access the sacrum fracture and deliver bone cement to the fractured sacrum. Often, a bi-lateral sacroplasty is performed, using bone filler on both sides of the sacrum for maximum stability.
For those with an injury, stress or osteoporosis fractures to the sacrum, sacroplasty can offer pain relief and improved spine stability. Unfortunately, sacrum fracture symptoms are like many other lumbar spine and lower back problems, resulting in misdiagnosis. Our team at Hanowell Spine Clinic can offer an accurate diagnosis to find the source of lower back pain and provide appropriate treatment options, including sacroplasty. Contact our clinic to schedule a consultation if you suffer from lower back pain that may be related to sacrum fractures.