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Vertebroplasty
The Procedure
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| Several days prior to your Vertebroplasty expect to be contacted
by PATT (Pre-Admission Teaching and Testing) to arrange a time for pre-procedure testing. On the day of your procedure,
we ask that you arrive at the hospital two hours prior to your scheduled appointment ti and report to the Ambulatory
Care Center. You will later be transported to Special Procedures in the Radiology Department where your vertebroplasty
will take place. You will receive medication to make you comfortable, and a local anesthetic will be applied to
the site. |
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Two needles, about the size of coffee stirrers, are placed through
the skin and into the affected vertebral body or bodies. Fluoroscopic guidance (x-ray imaging) allows Dr. Niedzwiecki
to see the exact placement of the needles at all times. Bone cement, Polymethylmethacrylate (or PMMA), is mixed
to a pancake batter consistency, then injected into the vertebrae filling in the porous and fractured areas. This
stabilizes and strengthens the crushed bone. The PMMA quickly hardens, creating a supportive structure that prevents
further collapse and alleviates pain. |
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After Vertebroplasty:
Most patients notice a significant reduction in their pain within
a few hours following vertebroplasty. It is important to know, however, that not everyone gets complete pain relief
as back pain can have many sources. Vertebroplasty is a major step in effectively treating osteoporotic compression
fractures. Future fractures may be prevented by taking calcium supplements and medication that increase bone density.
If new fractures do occur, the vertebroplasty procedure can be repeated.
Please Call
us TODAY at 727-791-7300 if you have any questions.
We're looking forward to helping you .
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