KyphoplastyThe bones in the spine are called vertebrae, and the thick block of bone at the front of each vertebra is called a vertebral body. A vertebral body compression fracture (VCF) occurs when the vertebral body fractures and collapses. Most VCFs are caused by osteoporosis, a disease that weakens the bones so they fracture more easily. VCFs cause the spine to shorten and fall forward, resulting in a hunched-over shape called kyphosis. Kyphosis can make it difficult to walk, reach or carry on with daily activities. It can cause chronic pain, breathing problems, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping. Long-term, patients-guests with VCFs are at increased risk of suffering from serious or even fatal lung problems.
Before the treatment the patient-guest will have a medical examination and diagnostic studies (such as x-rays) to identify the VCFs causing back pain. The kyphoplasty procedure can be performed while under general or local anesthesia. Generally the procedure takes only one hour per fracture treated. The physician makes a narrow, ½-inch incision in the back and creates a very small pathway into the fractured bone. A small, orthopedic balloon is placed through the pathway into the fractured vertebra. Next, the physician carefully inflates the balloon, raising the collapsed vertebra and attempting to restore its height. This is an important step in straightening the spine. The balloon is then removed, leaving a space within the vertebra. The space is filled with a material to support the bone and prevent further collapse. This process creates an "internal cast" that holds the repaired bone in place. In most cases, these four steps are performed on both sides of the vertebral body.
Prior to the day of the surgery the patient-guest will meet with the pre-op teaching nurse, who will instruct on when to stop eating, drinking, using tobacco products and what meds (if any) to take the morning of surgery. Any needed tests will be ordered during this visit. After arriving at the hospital the day of surgery the patient-guest will have an IV (needle in the vein) started to administer fluids and medications and meet with an anesthesiologist and receive a medication that may cause drowsiness. After surgery the patient-guest will be taken to a special recovery area where blood pressure, pulse, respirations and temperature are monitored. The patient-guest will be encouraged to eat and/or drink before being discharged. When stable, awake and alert, the patient-guest may be discharged home with a responsible adult.
Total hip replacementAn arthroplasty is the replacement of a hip joint. It is done to relieve pain and disability from problems with the hip usually caused from arthritis or a broken hip. The joints that move past each other are replaced. Cartilage is a shiny, white material that makes pain-free, smooth movement of the hip. Movement of the hip is limited and painful when this cartilage is damaged. The patient-guest will be asleep for this surgery or you may have a spinal (numb from the waist down). This surgery takes 1-3 hours and requires admission to the hospital.
Prior to the day of the surgery the patient-guest will meet with the pre-op teaching nurse, who will instruct on when to stop eating, drinking, using tobacco products and what meds (if any) to take the morning of surgery. Any needed tests will be ordered during this visit. After arriving at the hospital the day of surgery the patient-guest will have an IV (needle in the vein) started to administer fluids and medications and meet with an anesthesiologist and receive a medication that may cause drowsiness. After surgery the patient-guest will be taken to a special recovery area where blood pressure, pulse, respirations and temperature are monitored. The patient-guest will be encouraged to eat and/or drink before being discharged. When stable, awake and alert, the patient-guest may be discharged home with a responsible adult.
To help keep track of your care, download a comprehensive
total hip replacement booklet.
Total knee replacementA total knee replacement is also known as an arthroplasty. These are most often done due to problems around the knee mostly caused by arthritis. It is done to relieve pain and/or disability. Parts of the knee joint actually move past one another and this surgery replaces parts of this joint. The joint is covered with cartilage and this provides pain-free, smooth movement of the knee. When this cartilage is damaged the joint does not work well and is very painful. This pain could cause difficulty in walking, a sense of instability and even a limp. This surgery can take 3 or more hours and a general anesthetic (sleeping) will be given. Admission to the hospital will be required.
Prior to the day of the surgery the patient-guest will meet with the pre-op teaching nurse, who will instruct on when to stop eating, drinking, using tobacco products and what meds (if any) to take the morning of surgery. Any needed tests will be ordered during this visit. After arriving at the hospital the day of surgery the patient-guest will have an IV (needle in the vein) started to administer fluids and medications and meet with an anesthesiologist and receive a medication that may cause drowsiness. After surgery the patient-guest will be taken to a special recovery area where blood pressure, pulse, respirations and temperature are monitored. The patient-guest will be encouraged to eat and/or drink before being discharged. When stable, awake and alert, the patient-guest may be discharged home with a responsible adult.
To help keep track of your care, download a comprehensive
total knee replacement booklet.
Community Hospital
