These discharge instructions are printed with permission from Todd J. Albert, M.D. of the Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University. Discharge instructions and recommendations may vary per institution, be sure to ask your doctor.

Congratulations! You have undergone, or are soon to undergo, a new, "minimally invasive" technique of repairing your compression fracture called Vertebroplasty. Because this technique is much less invasive than other surgical techniques, you will have much less pain than usual, a shorter hospital stay (most patients go home within 4 - 5 hours of surgery), require much less pain medicine, and return to your normal activities much faster than usual.

However, although this technique has all these benefits, it is still a surgical procedure, and certain precautions should be followed before and after your surgery. The list below is intended to help you understand what you should and should not do before and after surgery.

Before Surgery
1) Stop taking all aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. Advil, Naproxsyn, Relafen, etc.) one week before surgery.

2) Shower the night before surgery.

3) Do not eat after midnight, the night before surgery.

4) If you are allergic to iodine, shellfish, or any medications, tell your doctor.

5) If you have any questions about other medications, ask your doctor.

After Surgery
1) Use your prescribed pain medication, muscle relaxers, and laxatives as directed.

2) If instructed to, wear your brace as directed.

3) You have NO stitches to remove. Small bandages are on your incision. These can be removed in 24 hours.

4) Do not soak in a bathtub or shower for 24 hours.

5) Do not do any heavy lifting for 3 months (i.e. nothing heavier than a carton of milk). After that you can gradually increase your lifting to normal. Walking is encouraged and bending can be done within the restrictions of your brace.

6) Schedule a return clinic visit for approximately 6 weeks after surgery.

7) Watch for signs of fever, chills, warmth, redness, or drainage from your incision. A slight. amount is normal for a day or two following surgery.