These two interventional procedures offer pain relief and stabilization of fractured or compressed vertebra of the spine. Vertebroplasty is a pain treatment for vertebral compression fractures that fail to respond to conventional medical therapy (pain medications or physical therapy). During this procedure, a neuroradiologist or interventional radiologist uses x-ray guidance to inject medical bone cement into the fractured vertebra. Vertebroplasty stabilizes the collapsed vertebra, prevents further collapse and help alleviate pain. The most common reason for these fractures is osteoporosis. Multiple fractures, if untreated, can cause loss of height and spine curvature.

Kyphoplasty is a treatment, combined with vertebroplasty, in which orthopedic balloons are used to gently raise the collapsed vertebra in an attempt to return them to the correct position. 

The radiologist will look at your films the morning of the procedure and decide which procedure (vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty) would be of most benefit to you.

Before the procedure is scheduled, your own doctor will send you for imaging to diagnosis the fracture. MRI is desired because the radiologist can identify swelling, age of fracture and if there are any bone fragments near the spinal canal. If you have a metal implant, such as a pacemaker, that prevents having an MRI, you will be sent for a nuclear bone scan.

Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Guidelines

When Your Procedure Is Scheduled

• Our scheduler will give you a date and time for your procedure at Overlake Hospital Medical Center. You will need to arrive at the hospital two hours before the procedure to allow the admitting and nursing staffs to get you ready.
• Please let the scheduler know if you take Coumadin, Plavix, Insulin or Metformin. You will need to receive specialized instructions.
• Please notify us if you’ve had a previous reaction to contrast dye.
• If you have any questions regarding your procedure, you may call us at 425-688-5507.
• The admitting department will attempt to call you the night before your procedure to confirm your arrival time.
• Please plan to leave any jewelry or valuables at home.
• Make sure to arrange for someone to drive your home after the procedure.

Preparation

• Do not eat of drink for four hours before your exam.
• Please take your normal heart and blood pressure medications with a sip of water. You may also take your pain medications with a sip of water.
• You need to be at the hospital’s admitting area two hours before you procedure’s scheduled start time. This is located at the large desk at the hospital’s main entrance (across from Stanza’s Café).
• You will be taken down to your room where you will meet your nurse. You will be asked to change into a patient gown. An IV will be started and blood drawn for lab tests. The nurse will ask you for your medical history. If possible, bring a list of all medications you take and when you take them.
• The nurse will also ask you about allergies. If you are allergic to radiology/contrast dye please let them know.
• If you need pain medication for your back please let the nurse know.
• If there is a possibility that you’re pregnant, please let the nurse know. You will be asked to sign a form if you are a female of childbearing age (12-57).
• Before the procedure, the interventional nurse will meet with you and your family to review the procedure and answer any questions you might have.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• The procedure takes from 1 to 3 hours. You will meet the physician who will go over the consent form and answer any questions you might still have.
• You will receive sedation medication during the procedure to help you relax.
• You will be positioned on your stomach. Pain medication will be provided if needed. Your face will be placed inside a massage pillow to keep your back properly aligned.
• During the procedure the nurse will be monitoring your heart, blood pressure and the oxygen level in your blood.
• Once the procedure is over you will be transferred back to your room lying flat on your back.
  

What to Expect After the Procedure

• You will stay on your back for about an hour. This is to let the cement harden.
• Your blood pressure, pulse and pain level will be monitored frequently.
• Once you are more awake and sitting up, we will provide you with a meal and fluids of your choice.
• Most patients will be discharged about 3 to 5 hours after the procedure.
• You will be given written instructions and a phone number to call if you have any questions or concerns.
• One of the interventional nurses will do a follow-up call the next week-day after your procedure. Write down any questions you might have for them.
• To speak to an interventional nurse, please call 425-688-5005. It is best to call between 8AM and 4PM Monday thru Friday. You can leave a message on the voicemail, and a nurse will return your call as soon as possible.
• If you are on Coumadin and have been told not to take it before your procedure, you need to check with your physician, and/or the Anti-Coagulation Clinic for instructions.
• If you an insulin-dependent diabetic, restart your regular dosing when you get         home. Check your sugar regularly and if you have a concern, contact your diabetic doctor.
• You will have at least two band-aids on your back, you may remove them the next day.