Discharge Instructions for Vertebroplasty
Discharge Instructions for Vertebroplasty
You had a vertebroplasty on the bones in your spine (vertebrae). That means a doctor injected surgical cement into the fractured vertebrae of your spine. This was done to help relieve back pain caused by fractured vertebrae. The procedure will also help make your spine more stable. Here are some home care instructions for you to follow after the surgery.
Activity
If a brace was prescribed to you, wear it as directed. And only bend within the restrictions of your brace.
Take short walks. Start by walking for 5 minutes and gradually build up your time and distance.
Don't drive for 2 days after the procedure. And never drive while you are taking narcotic pain medicine.
Don't do any heavy lifting for 3 months (nothing heavier than 5 pounds). After 3 months, you can gradually increase your lifting to normal.
Home care
Take your medicine exactly as directed.
Remove the small bandages on your incision after 24 to 48 hours or as directed by your doctor. Often, there are no stitches to be removed.
Wait 1 to 2 days before showering or taking a bath. And do not swim in a pool or sit in a hot tub until your doctor tells you it’s OK.
Have someone help apply an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a thin towel to ease the pain around the incisions. Leave the ice pack in place for 20 minutes, then leave it off for 20 minutes. Pain at the incision sites may last for a few days.
Keep your head elevated when lying down for 1 to 2 days following the surgery.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provide, or as advised.
Call 911
Call 911 right away if you have:
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Trouble controlling your bladder or bowels
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have:
Fever of 100.4°(38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
Shaking chills
Severe pain or increased redness, swelling, drainage, or warmth around the incision sites
Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your legs
Updated:  
September 04, 2017
Reviewed By:  
Dozier, Tennille, RN, BSN, RDMS,Joseph, Thomas N., MD