Bone Cement for Compression Fractures - Any Experience?

Posted by beatricefay @beatricefay, Nov 11 8:28am

I recently had a fall and landed on my rear end. This caused two compression fractures in my lower back area. There is a non invasive procedure where cement is injected into the back which I'm told is effective at eliminating the pain. The other alternative is to let the back heal on its own which can take many months. Has anyone had any experience with the cement procedure? I'm 80 years old.

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@gina5009

Thank you for the information. I am 93 and have had4 fractures of the vertebrae. I refused the cement because for me there were too many serious side affects. Had some mild back pain until this week, when I was doing some leg lifts. Severe pain in the area just above the right hip. Great difficulty walking. Any suggestions?
Gina5009

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Whenever hubby's had that problem, he would see primary care doc who ordered X-rays, then when it showed compression fracture(s) he was referred to the spine specialist for an MRI and then referred to the spine surgeon.
For pain, he was prescribed the muscle relaxer cyclobenzaprine and hydrocodone with acetaminophen. Physical therapy after the second kyphoplasty (cement) of three of the out-patient surgeries.
Now only taking Extra-strength Tylenol.

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I have had all of that, and that is when it was decided the side effect possibilities wer e too much for me is when it was decided not to go ahead w ith the surgery. I have both hips, both knees, and shoulder replacement. I also have had a lung embolism, which can be a strong possibility of side effect. I have also been told that after the plaster has been injected it can make that vertebrae very storng, but the vertebrae above may collapse because they may not be strong enough to support the new weight placed upon them. So at this point, I would like to know if there is any medication that will give some relief from this pain? Thank you for your information about your husbands medication. Did this medication make your husband very ti red? This has been a problem for me. It makes me want to sleep all the time.

Gina5009

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@gina5009

I have had all of that, and that is when it was decided the side effect possibilities wer e too much for me is when it was decided not to go ahead w ith the surgery. I have both hips, both knees, and shoulder replacement. I also have had a lung embolism, which can be a strong possibility of side effect. I have also been told that after the plaster has been injected it can make that vertebrae very storng, but the vertebrae above may collapse because they may not be strong enough to support the new weight placed upon them. So at this point, I would like to know if there is any medication that will give some relief from this pain? Thank you for your information about your husbands medication. Did this medication make your husband very ti red? This has been a problem for me. It makes me want to sleep all the time.

Gina5009

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Gina, the medication did not seem to make him tired. He always took as little as possible. Also found some relief with using a heating pad in his recliner.

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@grrranny

Gina, the medication did not seem to make him tired. He always took as little as possible. Also found some relief with using a heating pad in his recliner.

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Thank you.
Gina 5009

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