(214) 841-3004 712 N Washington Dallas, Texas 75246

Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty

Compressions of the vertebral bodies of the spine can cause chronic pain. These compressions can occur over time without sudden injuries and are more common later in life. Kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty may relieve the pain. They are performed through a puncture in the back, and involve the injection of a small amount of cement into the vertebral body. Patients often feel relief the same day.

 

Typical Experience

  • The procedure will be performed in the interventional suite while you are receiving sedation and opiate analgesia (“twilight anesthesia”). Most patients will not receive general anesthesia (no tube for breathing and no ventilator).
  • After the procedure is over, you will be on bedrest for up to 3 hours. Most patients are discharged later the same day although this depends on your condition.
  • You may not notice significant improvement in your back pain for the first 3 days after the procedure.
  • As with any major procedure, minor or major complications are possible. Above is simply a brief description of a typical experience, and a full explanation of the procedure and its risks will be provided when you visit your doctor before the procedure.

 

How to Prepare

  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before procedure, except for sips of water with your usual medications.
  • Bring your medications and anything you need to stay overnight even if you will most likely be discharged the same day.
  • Please take your usual medications unless you are told otherwise.
  • Report to Jonsson Admitting (first floor of Jonsson building at the Baylor University Medical Center) in the morning at the time given to you by our office.
  • Plan to have somebody else drive you home.

 

Resources

For more details about this procedure and its possible risks, please schedule an appointment with one of our physicians at 214-827-1600. You may also refer to the following discussions:

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty – British Society of Interventional Radiology

Osteoporosis Pain Treatment – Society of Interventional Radiology