Pre-Procedural Visit
Prior to vertebroplasty, the patient must be referred to the interventional
neuroradiology team by a referring physician. The patient will be called
by the neurointerventional nurse or secretary to set up an appointment. It
is advisable that the patient bring with them appropriate imaging studies such
as an x-ray, bone scan, CT, or MR of the spine, particularly if they are done in
an outside institution. During the consult visit, medical history will
also be obtained and additional x-rays, CT scan, bone scan, or MR may be ordered
prior to percutaneous vertebroplasty to determine the appropriateness of the
procedure. It is advisable that patients with osteoporosis continue their
medical therapy of calcium and other supplements to help prevent further
fractures.
Post-Procedural Visit
Following percutaneous vertebroplasty and before discharge from the hospital,
the patient will be given telephone numbers to contact should the patient
experience any problem after the procedure. The following day, the
neurointerventional team will contact the patient, usually by phone, to
determine how the patient is doing. A letter will be sent to the referring
physician describing the procedure and the recommendations of the
interventional neuroradiologist. The patient's medical care will then be
handled by the referring physician.
Vertebroplasty has the enormous potential to heal vertebral fractures. The
procedure is minimally invasive, safe and offers pain relief for most patients.
References
Erdem E, Angtuaco E, VanHemert R, Park J, Peterson L, Barlogie B:
Vertebroplasty in the treatment of vertebral compression fractures as a result
of multiple myeloma. Neuroradiology 45(1):S66, August 2003.
Erdem E, Angtuaco E, Peterson L, Barlogie B:
Vertebroplasty; height restoration technique. Neuroradiology 45(1):S66,
August 2003.
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