Vertebroplasty--anyone know anyone who's had this done?

[Manmohini]

Hi all,
My mother who is 71 has been experiencing bone density loss over the last few years. The other day, she fell off of a stool and ended up with a vertebral compression fracture, which the doctor says is related to her osteoporosis. The doctor is recommending a very new procedure called vertebroplasty where they inject glue/cement into the collapsed vertebrate. Has anyone had this done? Or have any of your mothers, aunts, or grandmothers had this done? If so, what were the results. Did they develop any complications? I have heard that one risk is that the glue/cement can leak out into the body. Any stories would be welcome. We have read the "official" information on side effects and complications, but we'd like to hear some real live stories.
Sincerely,
Manmohini

 

[MCunningham]

RE: Vertebroplasty--anyone know anyone who's had this d...

My mother-in-law had it done to about 3-4 vertebrae, and she said it felt much better afterward, and she experienced significant relief. I'm not sure about the long-term effects, though, because she passed away only about 6 months after having it done (completely unrelated to the back surgery... she had been battling ovarian cancer). But she did say her back felt a lot better after the procedure than before, to the point where she didn't even have to take pain meds for it only a week post-op.