Vertebral Body Augmentation - Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty FAQs

If you were an outpatient at the time of the procedure, you will likely be discharged the same day as the procedure. From our perspective, there is no post-procedure medical reason that you would not be able to work the next day. This is a decision you and your employer will need to make depending on how you are feeling.

Many patients have a significant decrease in their pain immediately after the procedure. Rare patients will notice that they have a slight increase in their pain for about 48-72 hours after the procedure. This is thought to be due to inflammation as a result of the procedure. If this discomfort continues to improve over the next few days there is probably no reason for alarm. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen will help with the soft tissue/muscular discomfort. If you have great relief of your pain after the procedure and then new onset of pain in a different area, we need to know about it so we can evaluate you for another fracture.

The cement hardens almost immediately after injection. It is unlikely that you will have any further trouble with the fracture at this level. We highly recommend that your primary healthcare provider screen you for osteoporosis.

We do not restrict your activities after vertebral body augmentation. Due to the medications you receive during the procedure, you will not be able to drive until the next day. The day following the procedure, you may resume all previous activities.

We do not routinely perform repeat imaging after vertebral body augmentation. If you have persistent symptoms or a new onset of pain following the procedure, we will evaluate you and obtain appropriate imaging studies at that time.

You will have a follow-up appointment 2 weeks after your procedure. If no further interventions are necessary and you have responded well to treatment, you will not require any further follow-up. You should call us for an appointment in the future if you notice return of symptoms.