Common Questions
What are the side effects associated of annuloplasty?
As with any invasive medical procedure, there are risks associated with the procedure itself that you’ll want to discuss with your physician before any type of treatment is administered. Those risks include, but are not limited to, increased pain, bleeding and infection. In general, a annuloplasty procedure is very safe and serious side effects or complications are rare.
Am I a good candidate for this procedure?
Annuloplasty is typically for patients whom have not had success with other treatments and/or injections and do not want to undergo major spinal surgery to remove/replace the affected disc and fuse the affected vertabrae. Please inform your doctor If you are taking blood thinners; have a history of a bleeding disorder; have an infection in any part of your body; or are allergic to iodine (i.e., shellfish, IVP dye) as this procedure may not be the right treatment for you.
What should I expect after an annuloplasty procedure?
Pain relief after this procedure is not immediate. In fact, your pain may increase during the first couple of days. During the first month after annuloplasty, plan to walk and do easy stretches as prescribed by your doctor. For the first few months you may be directed to avoid lifting, bending and long periods of sitting. For the first six months you may be told to refrain from any strenuous sports like basketball, skiing, running or tennis. Your doctor will map out a course of treatment including recommended post-operative exercise/stretching. Physical therapy will be a necessary part of recovery from an annuloplasty procedure.
