Vertebroplasty is an image-guided, minimally invasive, non-surgical therapy used to strengthen a broken vertebra that has been weakened due to osteoporosis, vascular malformations, or cancer. Vertebroplasty can increase the patient’s functional abilities, allow a return to the previous level of activity, and prevent further vertebral collapse.
How to Prepare
In preparation for your procedure be required to avoid eating the night before your surgery. Dr. Helper may also advise you to temporarily stop taking certain medications and supplements that may increase your risk of bleeding.
What to Expect
During your visit to our Vancouver practice, you will undergo a detailed assessment to provide Dr. Helper with the information necessary to make an accurate diagnosis.
The procedure is performed under mild sedation anaesthesia and will require you to lie flat on your stomach. Dr. Helper, using image guided x-ray, will slowly pass a special bone needle through the soft tissues of the back. A small amount of orthopaedic cement, called polymethylmethacrylate, is pushed through the needle into the vertebral body. The cement is mixed with a powder containing barium or tantalum, which allows it to be seen on the X-ray. When the cement is injected it is like a thick paste, but hardens rapidly.
The tiny incision will be closed with a strip of tape and covered with a bandage that should remain on for several days. Within a few hours, you should be mobile and will likely be able to go home the same day.
After the Procedure
For two or three days afterwards, you may feel a bit sore where the needle was inserted, but you can treat this with a cold compress. You will be able to increase your activity gradually and resume all your regular medications.
Next Steps
If you are ready to discuss your pain management needs with Dr. Steven Helper, request a consultation today. During your consultation your patient care coordinator will discuss:
- Your medical history
- Diagnosis and Treatment options
- Potential risks and complications
One Comment
I have been diagnosed with the followng: L1 compression fracture which is of a severe degree & sclerosis is noted. With some sclerosis along the vertebral body itself. Interval development of moderate to severe compression fracture @ T12. Mild disc height loss noted @ the L4-5 & L5-S1 levels. This is from March 11/11. Moderate narrowing of the L3-4 & L4-5 disc spaces are unchanged as are the severe compression fractures of T12 & L1. Prominent atheromatous calcification noted in the wall of the abdominal aorta. This is from Oct. 17/11. Severe compression fracture of T12 is noted with further 80% loss of central vertebral body height. There is mild 3.5mm retropulsion of the posterior vertebral margin margin of T12 into the central canal. Near complete collapse of L1 & further loss of vertebral body height. & there is approx. 3.5mm retropulsion of the posterior vertebral margin. Moderate-to-severe ostoearthritis of the L3-4 facet joints is noted. At L4-5 severe osteoarthritis of the facet joints & mild diffuse disc bulging are are noted.
I “applied” to the Vancouver Spinal Cord Unit via my Rheumatologist, my GP, I was not accepted & it was suggested that I see a rheumatologist which I have been seeing sigh!!
I am in severe pain & it has really changed my life style along with many other things. I need help please!