In March 2009 Mr. McClary was attending the horse races at Oaklawn in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was leaving and walking up the steps and when he stubbed his toe and fell over backwards, fracturing two vertebrae’s.
He felt pain instantly. McClary stated, “I knew that something was definitely wrong. It was about an 8 out of 10 on the pain scale.”
McClary visited his primary care physician at Centerpoint and was referred to a specialist, Dr. Borsa, who recommended the cement augmentation procedure.
“I was conscious throughout it and didn’t feel any pain. It took about an hour. I was then released to a therapy program for about 2 weeks. Now my pain level is 3 out of 10 , “ McClary said.
McClary was in a wheel chair when he entered the hospital and now he is able to walk around post-procedure using a cane. His wife and daughter are involved in his care as well.
“They thought this procedure was a good idea as well. I made the decision and told them. I am very pleased the procedure has worked. I do home exercises and therapy as well. I am 90 years old and want to keep active but I try not to overdo it. ” McClary said.
McClary recommends the procedure to others stating, “It is very simple. Getting a tooth pulled is worse than this!”
While vertebroplasty has a over 90% success rate in relieving severe spine pain, results will vary. For more information or to see if you or a loved one are a candidate for this procedure please refer to a specialist.