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A friend of mine suffers from pain due to a collapsing spine. I have heard some doctors perform surgery in which they cement the spine. What is your opinion
about that?
A friend of mine suffers from pain due to a collapsing spine. I have heard some doctors perform surgery in which they cement the spine. What is your opinion
about that?
This surgery is called a kypho or vertebro plasty an has proven, so far, to be quite successful at stablizing the spine and relieving pain after a compression fracture.
However, one should remember that, even with the surgery, the condition of osteoporosis still exists and one needs to learn how to exercise and practice good body mechanics safely, to eat well, hydrate, sleep, etc. Surgery does not "cure" the problem.
I believe anyone who has had this surgery should be referred to a physical therapist trained and knowledgeable in the management of osteoporosis, for instruction in SAFE exercise and movement, body mechanics, better ways to walk, evaluation for bracing etc and not think the surgery is the whole answer.
I've been looking into this medical cement for some years now. It is still relatively new in the medical field.
I wholeheartedly agree with SaraMeeks. It is not to be seen as a cure but has great potential for stabilization
during other treatment..including PT.
There are 2 procedures now available the latest uses a
a method that somewhat corrects the compression of the vertebral body and then cement is injected. All is still under study and I hope to part of that soon. At my "young" age I have suffered 3 compression fractures to date.
Hopefully Yours
Karina
Thanks for the information regarding kypho. It's comforting to know such a thing is possible.
Jacqueline
I had T 7 and T 8 vertobroplasty 4 weeks ago.. due to fracture of T 7 (osteoporosis related) not caused by a fall but muscle strain when doing some household chores -( fracture happened when trying to lie on X ray table!! ). Was told pain would be 50% better straight away... it wasnt and actually worsened by 3rd day after and mobility almost completely impossible. Told probably muscular due to fracture being 3 weeks old before op. Last part of operation (lying on stomach) the back is pummelled possibly to even out cement fluid I guess as you would putting liquid into a container and tapping it to get into all corners or such. I think this pummelling contributed greatly to discomfort. Its 4 weeks today since surgery and I have only had one complete day out of bed since 19 March!! Pain only relief lying down (usually with hotpack and painkillers).. I can now get relief with just a lay down .. however pain kicks in after only 1 hr or so standing .. sitting sometimes relieves.. using hands/arms to carry a cup or plate/rinse coffee cup in sink etc seems to trigger pain more than anything else.
Has anyone some good news about recovery.. physio is helping but not much.. trying hydrotherapy today. WILL I GET RID OF PAIN eventually ??? Therapists are "positive" but they havent got the pain!!
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