Kyphoplasty is the method of injecting a special cement into the vertebrae — with the additional step of creating space for the treatment with a balloon-like device (balloon vertebroplasty).
It is a type of Vertebral Augmentation for Compression Fractures and has the ability to restore a damaged vertebra’s height and and reduces pain. The goal of a kyphoplasty is to stop the pain caused by a spinal fracture, to stabilize the bone, and to restore some or all of the lost vertebral body height due to the compression fracture.
Who needs this Process of Kyphoplasty
- Kyphoplasty is not the option for every Osteoporosis Patient as it can not correct an established deformity of the spine.
- Patients experiencing painful symptoms or spinal deformities from recent osteoporotic compression fractures are likely candidates for kyphoplasty
How is Kyphoplasty Performed
- During the process of Kyphoplasty, the doctor plates a narrow tube on the back of the body to maintain a correct position. The tube creates a path through the back into the fractured area via the pedicle of the involved vertebrae.
- The doctor uses X-ray images to insert a special balloon through the tube into the vertebrae and then carefully inflates it. The inflated balloon elevates the fracture by structuring the fractured pieces into a more normal position. It also compacts the soft inner bone to create a cavity inside the vertebrae.
- The balloon is removed and the doctor uses specially designed instruments under low pressure to fill the cavity with a cement-like material called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). After being injected, the pasty material quickly hardens and stabilizes the bone.
Kyphoplasty to treat a fracture from osteoporosis is performed at our clinic under local or conscious sedation. Other logistics for a typical kyphoplasty procedure are:
- The kyphoplasty procedure usually takes an hour for each vertebra involved.
- Patients will be observed closely in the recovery room immediately following the kyphoplasty procedure.
Recovery
- It usually takes 2 days for a patient to recover from the pain
- Patients can start their daily chores after their pain relief
- Strenuous exertion, such as heavy lifting, should be avoided for at least six weeks.
- Patients should see their physician to begin or review their treatment plan for osteoporosis, including medications to prevent further bone loss.
Risks and Complications
Some general surgical risks apply to kyphoplasty, including a reaction to anesthesia and infection. Other risks that are specific to the kyphoplasty procedure and vertebroplasty include:
- Nerve damage or a spinal cord injury from malpositioned instruments placed in the back.
- Nerve injury or spinal cord compression from leaking of the PMMA into veins or epidural space.
- Allergic reaction to the solution used to see the balloon on the X-ray image as it inflates.
