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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryPreparation Timing Costs Surgical team Finding an experienced surgeon Facilities About the procedureRecovering from surgeryRehabilitationConclusion

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Home « Clinical Services « Spine

Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty: Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Treatment for Osteoporotic Compression Fractures

Last updated Tuesday, December 02, 2008

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Preparing for surgery

Preparation

No specific preparation for the procedure is required for kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty. If the patient is taking anticoagulation medication (such as Coumadin), I usually ask the patients to discontinue it one week before the procedure to minimize risks of bleeding.

Generally, blood transfusion is not necessary, so donation of blood units is not needed, as is common in other surgical procedures.

Prior to the surgery, the patient should have a thorough understanding of the risks, benefits, and potential complications of surgical vs. nonsurgical treatment. In addition, the patient should have an excellent understanding of the goals of surgery. Depending on the condition, the goals of surgery range from preventing further neurological damage to relieving pain and symptoms.

Timing

As long as the patient’s spine is stable and the patient can tolerate the symptoms, this procedure can be delayed for months.

Costs

The surgeon's office should provide a reasonable estimate of:
•   the surgeon's fee;
•   the hospital fee;
•   the degree to which these should be covered by the patient's insurance.

Surgical team

A surgeon, radiologist, anesthesia specialist or physiatrist who has been specifically trained in these techniques may perform these procedures. It should be performed at a medical center where these procedures are done routinely.

Finding an experienced surgeon

Facilities

Surgery is usually performed in a major medical center that performs these procedures on a regular basis. These centers have surgical teams and facilities specially designed for this type of surgery. In addition, neurological monitoring should be used, depending on the patients’ condition and this should be avail. They also have nurses and therapists who are accustomed to assisting patients in their recovery.

Surgery for Osteoporotic Compression Fractures in the Spine at the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 to make an appointment. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USA

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