Vertebroplasty Relieves Back Pain for Many / 31 December, 2001

Spectrum Medical Group is pleased to be offering vertebroplasty, a minimally invasive procedure, to reinforce fractured bone, alleviate chronic back pain, and prevent further vertebral collapse in patients. According to Spectrum Medical Group’s Andrew Mancall, MD, “Most patients have decreased pain and increased mobility within 48 hours of undergoing the procedure. Oftentimes these are patients who have been in pain for weeks and even months, have tried other more conservative treatments without success, and are experiencing a noticeable decrease in their quality of life as a result of their disability. We can now help these patients.”

“Many patients become symptom-free after having vertebroplasty,” states Paul Templeton, MD, of Spectrum’s Radiology Division. “Over several weeks, two thirds of patients find that they are able to significantly decrease their doses of pain medication, and three quarters of patients significantly increase their mobility and activity levels.”

Patients are initially scheduled for a consult with a member of the vertebroplasty team. During the consult, patients are evaluated for all potential therapies including medical, physician, and interventional treatments including. Appropriate patients are scheduled for the vertebroplasty at a hospital with a radiology surgical (angio/interventional) suite.

The procedure is performed at either Eastern Maine Medical Center or Maine Medical Center in the angio/interventional suite. Patients must be able to lie flat for one to two hours. Using fluoroscopic guidance, a specially designed large-gauge needle is passed into the vertebral body. Iodinated contrast is injected to confirm proper needle placement, followed by injection of medical-grade cement. The actual injection of cement takes only 10 minutes. The cement quickly hardens in 10-20 minutes.

Most patients recover in two to three hours and can go home the same day of the procedure. Physicians interested in learning more about vertebroplasty for their patients should contact either Paul Templeton, MD, at Eastern Maine Medical Center (207) 973-8305 or Andrew Mancall, MD; Thomas Dykes, MD; or Craig Curry, MD ,at Maine Medical Center. Drs. Mancall and Dykes can be reached at (207) 871-2631 and Dr. Curry can be reached at (207) 879-8386. Learn more about vertebroplasty.

For more information about vertebroplasty see the article Percutaneous Vertebroplasty Safe for Older Patients