My Spine - Lumbar
Treating new fractures promptly reduces the pain associated with the fracture
and prevents multi-level disease. Multi-level osteoporotic vertebral fractures
leads to progressive kyphosis (increased angle or forward bend of the spine)
which can lead to other morbidities such as decreased lung function, conges-
tive heart failure, bowel problems, depression, satiety, flatulence and other
complications.
There is a small risk of bone cement leakage involved with Kyphoplasty and
Vertebroplasty procedures. Bone cement leaking out of the vertebral body can
irritate or damage the spinal cord or nerves. This can cause pain, abnormal
sensation, or very rarely, paralysis. In severe cases of cement leakage, an
operation may be needed to stop the irritation of the nerves and spinal cord.
There is also a small risk of the cement travelling via blood channels in the
bone and blood vessels to the patient’s lungs.
Ward care
Log-rolling (where the patient’s hips and shoulders are kept in alignment) is
allowed immediately following the procedure. The patient may sit or walk as
soon as they feel up to it, but must be assisted by a member of the nursing
staff or a physiotherapist. If the patient is too frail, mobilisation can com-
mence the next morning. The use of a brace is normally not required, except
in young patients where fractures were treated with calcium phosphate.
Improvement of symptoms is usually immediate with full recovery in the first
month depending on factors such as the number of fractured vertebrae as well
as the time elapsed since the fracture occurred.
Discharge
Patients are normally discharged the day after the procedure if there are no
complications or co-morbidities necessitating a longer stay. You may be given
analgesic medication, a back exercise routine and a follow-up date. You are
advised to contact your specialist prior to your follow-up date if you experi-
ence any undue discomfort after your discharge.
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