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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureRecovering from surgeryPain and pain management Effectiveness of medications Important side effects Hospital stay Hospital discharge Convalescent assistance RehabilitationConclusion

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

Last updated Tuesday, December 02, 2008

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Recovering from surgery

How much pain do patients usually have after kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for osteoporotic compression fractures in the spine and what medications are used to manage it?

Usually the patients experience immediate relief of their pain. After the procedure, the patient is given a prescription of strong pain medicine (hydrocodone or Tylenol with codeine) for the pain from the surgery.

How does pain medication usually affect pain and comfort following kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for osteoporotic compression fractures in the spine?

What are the most frequent and most serious side effects of taking pain medication after kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for osteoporotic compression fractures in the spine?

Pain medications can cause drowsiness, slowness of breathing, difficulties in emptying the bladder and bowel, nausea, vomiting and allergic reactions. Patients who have taken substantial narcotic medications in the recent past may find that usual doses of pain medication are less effective. For some patients, balancing the benefit and the side effects of pain medication is challenging. Patients should notify their surgeon if they have had previous difficulties with pain medication or pain control.

After kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for osteoporotic compression fractures in the spine, what happens in the hospital and when is the patient usually discharged?

After surgery, the patient usually spends an hour or two in the recovery room. The patient may be discharged home the day of the procedure, or occasionally may require an overnight stay for observation.

After kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for osteoporotic compression fractures in the spine, what happens at hospital discharge and what are the patient's limitations at that time?

The patient will have few limitations at the time of discharge. The patient is not required to wear a brace, nor are there any specific limitations in activity. These patients may have been de-conditioned from the pain of these fractures for months prior to the surgery, and a gradual return to activity is advised. If the de-conditioning has been severe, then physical therapy may be useful in the rehabilitation of the patient.

What type of help do patients need after kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for osteoporotic compression fractures in the spine and for how long? Can they go home or do they require a convalescent facility?

If the patient has been de-conditioned prior to the surgery, they may require physical therapy for rehabilitation. It is important to remember that these fractures tend to occur in the elderly who may lower activity levels before the occurrence of the fracture. The return to activity after kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty should be gradual, and physical therapy may be required.

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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