I've heard of new treatments for compression fractures in the back, something about injections. What are some of the side effects or problems associated with the treatment?
The procedures you heard about are called vertebroplasty PV, and balloon kyphoplasty (KP). During the procedure, a small amount of a cement compound is injected into the fractured area in the back. This strengthens the area and results in less pain. As with all medical procedures, there are some risks involved. After the cement compound is injected, there is a risk of leaking, although the risk is small. If the compound does leak, it could cause a pulmonary embolism, or a clot that goes into the lungs. It could also leak into the area around the vertebrae, causing some nerve problems. Other risks, though small, are heart attack and stroke.
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