(August 5, 2009 - Insidermedicine) Vertebroplasty does not appear to offer any relief for individuals suffering from painful osteoporotic fractures, according to research published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Here is some information about vertebroplasty:

•    It is a procedure designed to treat vertebral compression fractures, which can occur among those with osteoporosis

•    It involves injecting a cement-like mixture into the area of the fracture

•    It is usually recommended after simpler treatments, such as bed rest or pain medication, have not been effective

Researchers from Monash University in Australia randomly assigned nearly 80 people with painful, unhealed fractures in the vertebra due to osteoporosis to treatment with vertebroplasty or a sham procedure.

After 6 months, those who underwent vertebroplasty were no better off than those who had the sham procedure. Over time, pain diminished significantly in both groups. They also experienced similar improvements in physical functioning, quality of life, and perceived improvement.

Today's research suggests that vertebroplasty does not provide relief for painful osteoporotic fractures of the vertebrae. With or without the procedure, pain does diminish with time.

For Insidermedicine In Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.