What is an Interventional Radiologist?

Interventional radiologists are physicians who are specially trained to treat and diagnose conditions using tiny tools with the aid of moving X-ray imaging called fluoroscopy. Typically, the procedures are done through a nick in the skin, about the size of a pencil point. Interventional radiology treatments are generally better overall for the patient because it does not involve major surgery with anesthesia; there is usually less pain and a shorter hospital stay. Interventional radiology also offers new treatments for osteoporotic compression fractures called vertebroplasty.

Vertebroplasty

Osteoporosis weakens bones and makes them more prone to fractures. Many women every year experience some type of osteoporotic compression fractures. During the interventional radiology procedure called vertebropasty, a needle is inserted into the body of the vertebrae to inject liquid polymer cement that hardens to give added strength to weak bones. This procedure takes about 40 minutes per vertebrae.

If you think you are a candidate for this procedure, please contact your primary care physician.