Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Side Effects and Warnings

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, your doctor will review a list of possible complications which may include:

• Leakage of the cement into the spinal canal or into adjacent veins
• Infection
• Bleeding
• Increased back pain
• Fracture of adjacent vertebra or ribs
• Numbness, tingling
• Paralysis

Your doctor may feel that the risks of these procedures are too great if you have:

• Vertebral fractures that extend into the spinal canal area
• Radiculopathy—irritation of a nerve root in the area of the fracture that often causes areas of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg
• Current infection
• Bleeding disorders
• Unusually soft or porous bones

If you have vertebral fracture due to osteoporosis , vertebroplasty may not be as effective.

Call Your Doctor

After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills
• Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site or the needle insertion site
• Severe back or rib pain
• Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
• New numbness, tingling, or weakness

In case of an emergency, CALL 911.