What is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive, outpatient procedure designed to treat spinal compression fractures in patients with osteoporosis.
How Does Kyphoplasty Work?
Kyphoplasty involves the insertion of a needle into the fractured vertebra under x-ray guidance. Here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Balloon Insertion: Under local anesthesia plus a sedative medication, the physician makes a tiny incision in the skin and carefully inserts a needle into the fractured vertebra. Next, a small balloon is passed through the needle into the vertebra.
- Balloon Expansion: The balloon is then inflated to restore the vertebra closer to its normal height and make room for the cement to be injected. The balloon is then deflated and removed.
- Cement Injection: A special, medical-grade bone cement is then injected into the vertebra under live video x-ray guidance. This cement hardens quickly, which stabilizes the vertebra, relieves pain, and prevents worsening of the fracture.
Why is Kyphoplasty Performed?
Kyphoplasty is typically recommended for patients with:
- Spinal compression fractures due to osteoporosis.
- Severe back pain that hasn’t improved with non-invasive treatments, such as pain medications, bracing, rest and time.
- Loss of height or a stooped posture due to their vertebral fractures.
This procedure relieves pain and helps restore mobility, allowing patients to return to daily activities quickly.
Benefits of Kyphoplasty
- Pain Relief: Most patients experience substantial pain relief within just a few days.
- Restoration of Vertebral Height: Kyphoplasty can help restore the height of a collapsed vertebra, improving posture and spinal alignment.
- Minimally Invasive: The procedure requires only tiny incisions and is fully completed through a needle.
- Quick Recovery: Patients return to their normal activities within a few days to weeks after the procedure.
Risks and Considerations
Kyphoplasty is considered a very safe procedure; however, like all medical procedures, it does carry some extremely rare risks for which multiple safeguards exist against. These risks include:
- Infection
- Continued pain in the treated vertebra
- Cement leakage outside the vertebra
Your doctor will discuss these potential risks with you and determine if kyphoplasty is the right treatment option for your condition.
Is Kyphoplasty Right for Me?
Kyphoplasty is not suitable for everyone. If you’re experiencing back pain due to a vertebral compression fracture, consult with one of our specialists to find a solution.
