Osteopenia, Compressed Vertebrae, and Vertebroplasties

Posted by BarbieJ @barbiej, Jul 21, 2016

I'm new to the group, too, and am wondering about others' experiences with compressed lumbar vertebrae and vertebroplasties. I found out last summer that I have osteopenia, which showed up when I had 4 compressed vertebrae over a period of 3 months. Vertebroplasties were done on all 4, and I'm doing well now. Has anyone else had vertebroplasties? I'd be interested in a discussion with those who have, as I don't know what to expect long-term.

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 22, 2016

Welcome to Connect, @barbiej.

I'm tagging @martishka, @lesleighjarrett, @ladyjane85, @hopeful33250 and @bonniecanby who have all posted about compression fractures and can hopefully provide some advice and support! @martishka I believe had considered vertebroplasty.

Also, here are two other threads on Connect that you may want to check out:
Chronic Pain- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/are-there-any-discussions-for-chronic-pain/
Compression Fracture- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pain-from-compression-fracture-of-vertebrae-w-osteoporosis/

Barbie, what long-term concerns do you anticipate or are concerned about?

ladyjane85 | @ladyjane85 | Jul 22, 2016

In reply to @colleenyoung "Welcome to Connect, @barbiej. I'm tagging @martishka, @lesleighjarrett, @ladyjane85, @hopeful33250 and @bonniecanby who have all posted..." + (show)

@barbiej from @ladyjane85 some have used the cementing for compression fractures. I never got to a dr early enough - not knowing that is what it was was a fracture bec I have such anyway. I just rest it out quite a bit.

afibber | @afibber | Sep 2, 2016

I have had 6 compresser fractures..thoracic and lumbar treated with kypoplasty. Easy procedure..pain relieve almost immediately. Have had 2 bone med consultations one says definitely use prescribed meds and another said it is a damned if you do and damned if you don't! My back will not be straight again and no idea what long term implications since it has only been 7 months. I take multi vits, mega minerals and D.

jaleen | @jaleen | Sep 15, 2016

I had a compression fracture in a disc in my upper spine. The pain went away the day before the operation and the surgeon canceled the operation. He said they (doctors) don't operate unless there is pain. He said that the risks of the operation outweigh the benefits when there is no pain from the fracture. My primary physician agreed. The fracture has adversely affected my posture, though. I'd like to know if your doctor would have operated if you did not have pain from the fracture.