Why is this procedure done?
Your backbone or spine is made of many small bones called vertebrae. These bones will rub together if they are weak or have been broken. This causes pain and may limit how you are able to move. Sometimes, these bones are weak from a health problem known as osteoporosis. This illness makes bones lose their strength. They become thin and break easily. When bones in your spine break, they collapse and you may have a hump like deformity on your back. You may have tried things like bedrest, pain drugs, and physical therapy to help your back pain. If these have not worked, you may need surgery to fix the breaks. ‚
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are procedures that may help correct the problems after a break in the spine. They may help lower pain and make your bones stronger. This may lessen the pain in your back. ‚
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What will the results be?
You may have less back pain and better body posture. The surgery may help you have more ability to move. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
- Blood tests
- X-ray and bone scans
- MRI scan
- CT scan
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- You will lie on your belly and the skin over the break area will be numbed and cleaned with special soap.
- An x-ray camera will be placed around you to take pictures. This will show pictures of your bones.
- For vertebroplasty, the doctor puts a small needle through the skin on your back. Your doctor will use the pictures as a guide to make sure the needle is in the right place. When it reaches the right place, a special bone cement is injected.
- For kyphoplasty, the doctor will make a small cut in your back. A tiny drill may be used to open a part of your bone. A special balloon will be put into the opening in the bone. The balloon will have a small amount of air put in it to open the space. This will return the shape of your bone to normal. The balloon is taken out and special bone cement is put in its place.
- The special bone cement looks like toothpaste. The needle is taken out before the cement hardens. The bone cement gets hard within just a few minutes. This will help make the break more stable. It acts like a cast for your spine.
- Your doctor may take more x-rays to make sure the cement is in the right place. You will stay on your stomach for 10 to 20 minutes. You will be moved when the cement gets hard enough. The procedure most often takes 40 minutes to 2 hours.
- The doctor may place tape strips on any cut sites. Then, they are covered with clean bandages. Do not take off the strips. They will fall off on their own.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You will be lying down for a few hours. You may feel some pain. Your doctor will give you drugs for pain if you need them.
- You may have relief from your back pain right after the procedure is finished. Most back pain goes away within days to a couple of weeks after the procedure.
- The procedures are most often done on an outpatient basis. Sometimes, it is necessary to spend a night in the hospital after the procedure.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Get lots of rest. Stay in bed for at least 24 hours.
- Be sure to take all your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- You may have to limit your activity. You can slowly work up to your normal activities. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Ask your doctor about proper posture and how to keep a healthy back. An exercise program may be advised such as gentle stretching, conditioning, and strengthening.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Ask your doctor when it is safe to bathe, shower, or soak in the water.
- No heavy lifting is allowed for 6 weeks after the procedure. Talk to your doctor about how much weight you may lift.
- You may have hard stools due to a regular use of drugs for pain. Drink lots of fluids. Eat high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruits.
What follow-up care is needed?
You will need to be watched closely. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Leakage of the cement into your spine or other body tissues
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Paralysis
Where can I learn more?
RadiologyInfo.org ‚
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=vertebro ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚