Sacroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve low back and buttocks pain caused by osteoporotic compression fractures of the sacrum that are causing severe pain or limiting ones ability to ambulate. The procedure involves injecting bone cement into the osteoporotic fractured sacrum.
Preparing for your Sacroplasty:
- A representative will contact you prior to your procedure to review your medications and complete registration.
- Be sure to let your doctor know if you are taking blood thinners (Aspirin, Lovenox, Plavix, Heparin, or Coumadin). You MAY be asked to stop this medication 5 days before you procedure. You may resume your medicine the day after the procedure.
- You will need to arrange for a driver to take you home.
- Do not eat or drink for at least 4 hours prior to the procedure.
- An IV is started before the procedure for pre-procedural antibiotics and for sedation if needed during the procedure.
- After the procedure you may go home as soon as the cement hardens (about 1 hour). You may experience soreness at the injection site but this can usually be managed with over the counter analgesics such as ibuprofen or aspirin. You may take your own pain medication as needed if it is already prescribed by your referring physician.
- You can return to light activity the day of your procedure and avoid strenuous activity or physical therapy for the next 3 days.
If you develop fever or severe pain contact our office at 352-333-7847 (7VIP) or call your referring physician. After hours or on weekends, go to the nearest emergency room or call North Florida Regional Medical Center at 352-333-4000 and ask for the Radiologist on call.
