Kyphoplasty

What is kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to repair vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). The surgery stabilizes your spine, relieves pain, and restores height to the affected vertebrae.

Kyphoplasty is most effective when the procedure is done within eight weeks of a vertebral compression fracture. If you wait longer, the bone may heal, and the pain may become chronic and refractory to kyphoplasty. 

What causes a vertebral compression fracture?

Vertebral compression fractures occur when one or more vertebrae collapse, which can lead to significant pain, deformity, and height loss. 

Osteoporosis is often the most common factor in vertebral compression fractures. In severe cases, your bones are so brittle that they develop a compression fracture from a simple activity like sneezing or bending over.

Vertebral compression fractures typically occur in the front part of the vertebra, making it collapse and lose height. Meanwhile, the backside maintains its normal height. 

When this happens to several adjoining vertebrae in your middle back, they form a rounded shape and create a hump; a condition called kyphosis.

What symptoms develop due to a vertebral compression fracture?

After developing a vertebral compression fracture, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Sudden, sharp, and debilitating back pain
• Pain that worsens when you stand or walk around
• Limited spinal movement
• Eventual height loss

Over time, untreated vertebral compression fractures cause deformity and disability.

How is kyphoplasty performed?

At SamWell Institute for Pain Management, Dr. Shah makes a small incision and inserts a narrow needle into the damaged vertebra. The needle’s insertion and placement are guided using a continuous, real-time X-ray imaging.

When the needle is in place, a special balloon is placed through the needle and into the vertebra. As Dr. Shah inflates the balloon, it corrects the fracture and supports the collapsed side of the bone.

Then the balloon is deflated and removed, and your doctor fills the space with bone cement. The cement restores the vertebra’s normal shape and strength, stabilizing the spine, and significantly reducing pain.

What should I expect after kyphoplasty?

Since kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, most patients go home the same day. You need to take it easy for the first 24 hours and avoid vigorous activities or exercise for about six weeks. Most patients report immediate relief of their pain following the procedure. 

Most patients who undergo kyphoplasty experience significantly less back pain. To learn more about kyphoplasty, call SamWell Institute for Pain Management, or book an appointment online today.