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

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

My mom had this done 6 or 7 years ago but unfortunately we really didn't know if it worked or not due to her dementia. She was in tremendous pain with her back. She kept dwelling on the injections that she had had which by the way was for her planters fasciaitis sp? 2 years before. It was a "minor" procedure that seems to help a lot by way of others that have posted here. Wish I could be more help to you. Just didn't know how far along your mom was in the dementia journey. Good Luck and God Bless

TraumaDoc, you should probably post your question as a separate post as it has nothing to do with the actual topic of this post.

I am dreading giving a eulogy at my ma's funeral. there are 5 kids and she wants each of us to speak. I was the oldest and she took all of her frustration out on me with daily beatings, including bloody noses, age inappropriate tasks, because she was an alcoholic and on and on. I protected the younger ones from her, but I still hate the way that she abused me. My younger sibs have a relationship with her, but I do not. I just show up for medical visits because I am a doctor. Basically I hate the values of this vain, selfish and superficial woman. All that I can say at her funeral is that she had great taste and considered herself a great beauty. The world never knew about her vicious child abuse. What do I do.?

kyphoplasty can relief pain. go for it if if Ma is up for it!

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.

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.

My mother's doctor didn't even inform her that she had a spine fracture until she was in the hospital for food poisoning and they just said it in a casual manner. Good luck if and when you decide to go with kyphoplasty.

Kyphoplasty injects special cement into your vertebrae.

My Mom had this done 4years ago. The pain going away was right away. Don't understand why you r getting your Mom up and down. They wouldn't let my Mom out of bed even for the bathroom. She had her fracture at the L1 too. I was told before this procedure was done, people were flat on their backs in bed for 8 weeks until healed.

I checked into this for my Aunt some years back but she didn't qualify as it had been too long since her she sustained her injuries. So I would keep that in mind (unless things with the procedure have changed). And this is just my opinion but I believe an orthopedic doctor/surgeon would not be for this procedure because all they ever want to do is operate. Good luck.

Hvluv, it's good to seek insight on other's experiences, which can help you feel more comfortable on whether to go ahead. But each person is different and only the physicians who've examined your mother can opine on how the surgery will affect her. I'm sure you realize that. Other's insights and experiences are helpful, but I just wanted to remind you that your mother is different from everyone else - we all are.

If you haven't already, ask the surgeon about (a) prognosis if the surgery isn't done (b) prognosis if the surgery is done (c) recovery period, pain level anticipated, and for how long (d) possible of re-occurrence (e) whether a compression fracture will even heal on its own.

The fact that anesthesia is twilight rather than general is a positive factor. And the situation you describe, with her current level of pain, suggests that a long time for healing w/o intervention isn't going to be beneficial in either the short or long run.

If you and your mother are comfortable that this is the best route, go for it. It does sound as if your mother isn't in a good situation now, and if the surgery can make it better, it might be a serious consideration if there are no lingering side effects.

Good luck with your decision.

I had this procedure done over 5 years ago, after I crushed a vertebrae in a bad fall. I stayed in the hospital overnight and went home the next day with minimal discomfort. My mother-in-law had it done 5 times due to compression fractures and did very well with it, too. If she is still able to perform simple care tasks, dressing herself, walking (even if she uses a walker) it's worth exploring to keep her level of independence. I would do it again, if needed, and I am currently 69. Good luck and I hope she is able to remain somewhat self-sufficient for a long time, as that meant so much to my mother!

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!

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.

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 asked my cousin's orthopaedic surgeon about this procedure after she fell and fractured her spine. She had quite a bit of pain. She is 63 years old and has advanced dementia. She also has osteoporosis. Her doctor said he did not think it was advisable. He didn't give any reason.

Perhaps, I should have pushed it, but she went on Cymbalta for both pain and anxiety and it REALLY helped. She saw immediate relief and over the course of 6 months I guess she did heal and now she reports no pain in her back. PLUS, she was disabled due to arthritis in her back before all of this happened. So, I take it that the Cymbalta is really helping or the pain just went away with the healing process.

I would get a second opinion though.

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 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

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.

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