Vertebroplasty Testimonial

Edith Vandermeulen, 83 years old and lives in Illionois.
Diagnosed with: Osteoporosis
Procedure in: June 2005

Edith Vandermeulen has always healthy and agile. One afternoon she was taking a nap and then found she could not get out of bed. She called to her husband to help her out.

She stated, “The pain was so bad I could not stand. I then had to use a cane to walk.”

When she visited her primary care physician he gave her pain medicine which helped for a while. “I thought it might go away—when it didn’t, he then referred me to a specialist. I then met with Dr. Doundolakis to see if I was a candidate for vertebroplasty. The x-ray image showed I had a fracture and we then decided to do the procedure right away because the pain was really terrible.”

The procedure was outpatient, so Vandermeulen was admitted and released home the same day. She stated, “The pain reduction was wonderful. I could actually walk.”

Now, she enjoys her usual activities like gardening and doesn’t have problems bending or stooping. “I can’t see anyone going through what I went through. The procedure is absolutely worthwhile.”

Her husband stated, “I was amazed by the results. It’s quite an operation.”


Read more about those who have benefited from vertebroplasty
Rita Cox, Teresa Fox, Eva Gerritsen, Shelby Brewer, Albert Occhipinti, Betty Sullivan, Edith Vandermeulen, Irma Nabors

While vertebroplasty has a over 90% success rate in relieving severe spine pain, results will vary.¹ For more information or to see if you or a loved one are a candidate for this procedure please refer to a specialist.

¹McGraw JK, et al. Prospective evaluation of pain relief in 100 patients undergoing percutaneous vertebroplasty results and follow-up. JVIR. 2002; 13:883-886.

Close Window