Pain Management – Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
Prior to your pain management procedure, a clinical evaluation will be performed to confirm the presence of a compression fracture that may benefit from treatment with vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty.
The evaluation may include diagnostic imaging, blood tests, a physical exam, x-rays of the spine. You will need to have blood drawn for tests prior to the procedure to determine if your blood clots normally.
You should report to your radiologist all medications that you are taking, including herbal supplements, and if you have any allergies, especially to local anesthetic medications, general anesthesia or to contrast materials containing iodine. Your physician may advise you to stop taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or blood thinners for a specified period of time before your procedure.
On the day of the procedure, you should be able to take your usual medications with sips of water or clear liquid up to six hours before the procedure. You should avoid drinking juice, cream and milk.
On the day of your procedure, you should plan to have a relative or friend drive you home.
Women should always inform their technologist or radiologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
