[nybor61]

Vertebroplasty experiences

by nybor61 on Mon Jun 27, 2016 11:39 am

My 87 year old father was diagnosed with multiple myeloma of the spine. His lesion damaged his spine and I have heard about vertebroplasty. Has anyone here had the procedure?

His spine surgeon was a total downer and offered no options besides surgery, which he didn't feel was a safe route for my father.

[kullybunnny1]

Re: Vertebroplasty experiences

by kullybunnny1 on Mon Jun 27, 2016 12:32 pm

I have had 3 kyphoplasty procedures to repair 10 compression fractures. This is slightly different than vertebroplasty, as a balloon is used to fill the vertebrae with cement. I still have one not treated, which gives me only a little discomfort. I would recommend seeking a neuro­surgeon opinion or perhaps a neuroradiologist.

My best to your father.

Kully

[Aclinkboca]

Re: Vertebroplasty experiences

by Aclinkboca on Mon Jun 27, 2016 12:52 pm

I had the procedure to repair a compressed vertebrae on Christmas Eve. My vertebra was 90% compressed and the doctor said I had no other option. For me the surgery was the best decision I made. After a couple of weeks, I was moving pain free and able to walk several miles a day.

The doctor said that if I did not have the surgery, I could have even more problems. I do not know your father's overall medical condition, but I agree that the age of your father could present prob­lems with the surgery depending on the details of your father's compression. I had a plasma­cytoma caused from the myeloma that compressed my disk, and my neurosurgeon took five hours to delicately remove as much of the tumor as possible. It does not sound like your father has that issue. I agree with Kully that I would seek out a highly trained neuro­sur­geon for an additional opinion on the issue.

I wish you and your father the best.

AC