My Mom's (86) Neuro-Radiology Dr. wants to do "Kyphoplasty" procedure. Any insights?

My mom had this done at age 86, and it provided immediate pain relief and repaired her spine (after compression fracture caused by osteoporosis). She then saw an endocrinologist who got her on a drug called Forteo which actually reverses bone loss. After two years of that, her spine was strengthened, and she now takes the bi-annual inject-able Prolia. Obviously your mom's situation is unique to her. For her to remain mobile, which is very important for overall health, well-being, and longevity, the kyphoplasty would seem like the way to go, especially if you trust her doctor and this is what they are recommending. If it were my mom, I'd go for it. I can't imagine living with a compression fracture for months if I did not have to. The pain from a compression fracture is excruciating and puts tremendous stress on the body. Good luck with your decision making, and God bless you and your mom.

I've had that procedure twice. It was like instant relief.
It was conscious sedation and the second day the soreness from needles was gone. Very easy fix and would do it in a heartbeat again and I'm 66. It was about 4 years ago.

As a nurse and having done a ablation on my back (and ready for another) this procedure is FDA-approved and should be performed by a competent surgeon. It is safe, and I see no reason why she should not have it to relieve pain (other than an allergy to PMMA, the cement used to build the bone back into place). Living with back pain is no fun and in order to do anything one needs their back. So my blessings on the procedure and best wishes. There will be almost immediate pain-free results. Go for it! Let us know how it went if you do!

My dad had this procedure done about two months after a fall. He had a major stroke three years earlier and was pretty much right-side paralyzed. After the fall, he was in so much pain that he was losing weight. After the procedure was finished and dad was alert, I left to eat lunch and check on some things at work. When I returned three hours later dad was sitting up in a chair fully dressed, and his face was relaxed. I hadn't realized how the pain had showed in his face before the surgery. It definitely improved his quality of life. We were told that there is only about a three month window after an injury for this procedure to be helpful.

I don't know this but I would get a second opinion on this as the care taker above bad it done to herselfe and she is not in the same complete health as your mom as sounds like your mom is in a much weaker health and more pain killers may react differently on her leaving her much like an over dosed zombi pain is a body way to say stop rest not run and jump on a broken part I could be wrong but never the less I just don't feel one opinion is enough to risk a loved one's health

My mom had this procedure done 5 years ago. I remember it did help. She was in plenty of pain getting up just like you described. Afterwards she went to the rehab. Everybody is different. Your mom sounds like she can do take care of herself.
Good luck and god bless. Hope she find answers for her relief of pain .

I had this procedure done seven years ago, but I am now 62. I had a compression fracture and have osteoporosis. It did help me tremendously because I was in so much pain and still working (sitting all day) at the time.

I am not sure I would do it again though, only because it was rather scary to me and I had a lot of fear about it because of the possibility of being paralyzed if the cement was to spread to other areas. That is what I was told by doctor. Also, having to be awake with sedation because I was told I needed to be able to tell them when I felt pain, and I certainly did a few times. So that was even scarier!

It sounds like your mom's health is worse than mine was at the time, so I would definitely get a second opinion.

I had never heard of this procedure and am very glad and interested to learn of it and can fully appreciate what a miracle this must sound like for your Mom. I think it's really important that you ALSO have a consult with her elder care physician or psychiatrist or neurologist -- whoever diagnosed her with ALZ such that she needs Memory Care. What I have learned with my Mom is that ANY -- and EVERY -- sort of trauma has accelerated the decline in her cognitive functioning, and I've been told this is typical. Absolutely anesthesia can do this -- perhaps not so much the "twilight" sort, I don't know. BUT that is DEFINITELY a question to ask. However, the pain ALSO can exacerbate the dementia and further impair cognitive functioning. I don't know what I would do -- the pain is for today and certain, the increase in dementia is for tomorrow and who knows. But I do know I would ask every medical professional -- including the registered nurses in her facility/social workers -- that I could talk to. AS WELL ASK what other options there might be for the relief of the pain. But, in the end, I think I would (and this is what I have done so far) always opt for what brings Mom the best quality of life TODAY and deal with what comes tomorrow when it comes. Your Mom is fortunate to have a loving child looking after her. Keep coming back to this site to ask advice and also to share your experiences. Angels watch over you on this tough journey! Lolli

spine-health/treatment/back-surgery/description-kyphoplasty-surgery

I observed numerous of the procedures and they are generally uneventful. Being a retired RN working in both surgery and xray it is dramatic on some of the results that the patient has no pain before getting off of the table. Dependent upon the provider and the type of procedure required to be done.