Back Pain

[juggernuts]

Hi everyone,

There were no posts in the Vertebroplasty forum. Has anyone had this procedure done that would not mind sharing your experience with me? I suffered a compression fracture of my L1 vertebra due to a fall I took while skiing, and almost 4 months later, my fracture is still not healed. My orthopedist referred me to a spinal surgeon to discuss this procedure. My appointment is next week. I would appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks!

[moss]

I fell from a 5' height, onto grass on 7/29/09, I'm over 50 & very overweight. I landed on my right side with the impact causing immediate pain in my rt hip & lower back. I've had degenerated, herniated L3 & L5 discs for many years. Only after an MRI did the 2 compression fractures show up on L3 & L5, and L1 was bruised. (An x-ray in the ER showed no fractures & a CT showed only 1 fracture). I was experiencing severe pain upon standing, lifting my leg to get into the car & sitting for too long & was generally pretty miserable. My Dr prescribed Vicodin APAP for the pain.

My Internist/Primary care doctor referred me to a Radiologist to do the procedure on 9/1/09, my son's wedding was 4 days later, 9/5, but the Drs said that I would actually feel better for the wedding if I had the vertobroplasty. (I was worried, but thought that I'd take their advice since the pain was intense). At the Radiologist's office I was given some IV sedation. Due to the 2 fractures, 2 entries with the "tube" had to be made & 2 vertebrae cemented. After the procedure, I remained on the table until the cement hardened (about 15 mins). When I was ready to go home I stood up & immediately realized that I had less pain! The entry points in my back were covered with band aids, they were a bit sore for only 2 days.

I danced with my son at his wedding & was able to walk unaided. I bought a lumbar support pillow which I used whenever sitting. I've reduced the amount of Vicodin, have minimal pain, sometimes a bit more, but I'm very grateful for this procedure. I also have strained muscles & tendons in my thighs & calves, but all of the pain is lessening & I can do pretty much whatever I want to. The healing from the fall itself will take time, so I look forward to feeling even better. I also walked nearly every day since the accident & after the procedure & I think that the movement is very beneficial.