If you’ve had a compression fracture in one of your vertebrae, then you know how painful it can be. It can make moving difficult due to bone fragments rubbing against each other. For fractures like this, kyphoplasty may be a viable solution.
What is kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stop the pain caused by a spinal fracture. The procedure works to stabilize the bone and restore some or all of the lost vertebral body height.
Kyphoplasty Benefits
Kyphoplasty can have numerous benefits. The procedure has been shown to achieve restoration of vertebral body height as well as correction of vertebral body deformity. Additional benefits include:
- Reduction in back pain
- Increased mobility
- Increased ability to perform activities of daily living
- Improved quality of life
Kyphoplasty Procedure
Before the procedure
Before the kyphoplasty procedure, your doctor will order blood and imaging tests. This will ensure you are healthy to undergo the procedure and will help direct the surgeon to the area or areas in need of repair.
On the day of the procedure, an intravenous line (IV) will be placed in your arm to deliver anesthesia. You may also be given antibiotics to prevent infection.
During the procedure
The procedure usually takes less than one hour. Your surgeon will perform the following steps.
- A tube is inserted through a small incision on the back into the damaged vertebrae.
- A thin catheter with a balloon at the tip is guided into the vertebrae.
- The balloon is inflated which creates a cavity. In this cavity, liquid bone cement is injected.
- The balloon is deflated and removed as the bone cement is injected.
- The liquid bone cement hardens in about 10 minutes.
- The needle is removed, the area is bandaged, and your IV and monitoring equipment are removed.
After the procedure
Following the kyphoplasty procedure, you will rest in a recovery area for a short period of time. Your nurse or doctor may encourage you to get up and walk within an hour of the procedure. You will likely experience some soreness but will probably be able to go home later that day.
Some patients require additional monitoring if their procedure involves more than one vertebra, if there were complications, or if their general health is not optimal.
Kyphoplasty Recovery Time
Most patients are able to go home on the same day as the procedure. You may experience soreness, but you should start feeling better within 48 hours. Your doctor will let you know when you can resume your normal activities. Talk to your doctor about bone-strengthening supplements.
Kyphoplasty Complications, Risks, & Side Effects
All medical procedures have potential complications, risks, and side effects. Kyphoplasty poses the risk of infection or bleeding at the site where the needle was inserted. In some cases, patients experience nerve damage which can lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness. There is also the possibility of an allergic reaction to the materials that are used in the procedure.
Learn More About Kyphoplasty at The Orthopedic Clinic Today
At The Orthopedic Clinic, we want you to live your life in full motion. If you’ve been feeling pain and discomfort associated with a vertebral fracture, let us help you get back to doing the things you love.
Call us at (386) 255-4596 to schedule an appointment.
Sources
Healthline
WebMD
Medtronic