Are there any risks i should be aware of before my vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty? my vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are scheduled for two weeks from now. are there risks that i should prepare for?

Vertebroplasty : Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are usually safe and helpful procedures but there are many risks related to the procedure, anesthesia and your general health. The risks include death, stroke, heart attack, pneumonia, blood clots in lungs and legs, fat embolus, plastic spreading to the lungs, lung collapse, spinal cord or nerve injury causing pain, numbness, weakness, bowel and bladder incontinence or paralysis, infection, bleeding, but not limited to these complications. People with one fracture are at increased risk of future fractures. Please see my health guide on vertebral body compression fractures. Good luck!

Risks: Because a needle is inserted into the body, risks include bleeding, infection, and misplacement of the needle, causing damage to adjacent structures such as the spinal cord and spinal canal. There are also risks with medications used for sedation, such as oversedation or allergy. After the vertebroplasty, there is an increased risk for fracture of adjacent vertebral bodies.