Below is a list of some frequently asked questions, but please feel free to contact us if you need additional information. We are always pleased to assist you.
What is vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is the stabilization of a vertebral body with a compression fracture through the percutaneous injection of cement in order to alleviate pain.
Why did my doctor recommend this procedure?
Vertebroplasty often reduces or completely eliminates pain from a compression fracture. The patient may no longer have any need for analgesics especially narcotic analgesics.
How is vertebroplasty performed?
Vertebroplasty is a procedure in which a needle is placed through the skin into the collapsed vertebrae while the patient is lying prone. The radiologist administers local anaesthesia at the site of needle placement. An anaesthesiologist is also present monitoring the patient and providing pain control throughout the procedure. Correct needle placement is guided by fluoroscopy. After this is achieved, cement (polymethylmethacrylate) mixed with an antibiotic is instilled into the vertebrae. The cement placement is continually visually monitored with fluoroscopy. Several radiographs are obtained during and after the procedure for documentation. Patients are normally monitored in the hospital for a few hours upon completion of the procedure.
Will I need other tests?
In order for the radiologist to determine if a patient is a candidate for vertebroplasty, a current medical history is needed. Other imaging studies may be necessary in addition to routine radiographs, such as MRI or bone scan. Some blood tests are also required as well as an EKG.
What should I do to prepare?
No solid food intake is allowed for 4 hours prior to the procedure. You must be accompanied by a friend or relative who will drive you home after the post-procedure observation period. Prior to the procedure you will have met with the radiologist for a consultation visit. On the day of the procedure an anaesthesiologist will meet with you to evaluate you for conscious sedation.
If you take any medication to prevent blood clots, such as Coumadin, this will be discontinued prior to the procedure. When to stop your medication and when to restart is thoroughly discussed prior to the procedure.
On the day of the procedure you will be seen by a nurse who will take your vital signs and start an intravenous line. The nurse will answer any questions you might have.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Although there may be some soreness at the needle entry site in the back, significant pain relief is expected, usually within 48 hours.
Why have my procedure at HSS?
At Hospital for Special Surgery there is a team approach to this procedure. This team consists of your referring physician, often the patient's primary care physician, the Minor Procedures nursing staff, the anaesthesiologist, the radiology technologist and the experienced board certified musculoskeletal radiologist.
This team works together to ensure the referral and pre-procedure evaluation/consultation is complete and accurate. The experience of the patient on the day of the procedure is carefully organized. Post-procedure care and follow-up is monitored to ensure that the desired outcome of decreased pain and improvement in daily life has been achieved.
