What is Kyphoplasty? - Treating Vertebral Compression Fractures

What is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), which are fractures that occur in the bones of the spine due to conditions such as osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer.

The Procedure

Kyphoplasty involves the use of a balloon and bone cement to stabilize the fractured vertebrae and relieve pain. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia with the use of fluoroscopy, a type of real-time x-ray imaging, to guide the placement of the instruments.

During the procedure, a small incision is made in the skin and a special needle is inserted into the fractured vertebrae. A balloon is then inserted through the needle and inflated to create a cavity in the bone. The balloon is then deflated and removed, leaving the cavity in the bone.

The cavity is then filled with a medical-grade bone cement, which hardens quickly to stabilize the vertebrae and provide pain relief. The cement is designed to mimic the properties of bone and is intended to remain in place permanently.

Benefits of Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty has several benefits over traditional open surgery for vertebral fractures. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis, which means that patients typically go home the same day as the procedure.

The procedure is also associated with fewer complications than traditional open surgery, such as infections and blood loss. In addition, kyphoplasty has been shown to provide significant pain relief and improve quality of life for patients with VCFs.

Kyphoplasty is typically recommended for individuals who have vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) that are causing significant pain and affecting their daily activities. VCFs are fractures that occur in the bones of the spine due to conditions such as osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer.

Individuals who may benefit from kyphoplasty include those who:

• Have severe or disabling back pain that is not responding to conservative treatments such as rest, pain medication, or physical therapy.
• Have a vertebral compression fracture (VCF) that has caused a significant loss of vertebral height, which can lead to spinal deformity and nerve compression.
• Have a VCF that has caused a kyphotic deformity, which is a forward curvature of the spine that can affect posture, balance, and mobility.
• Have a VCF that is causing respiratory or digestive problems due to compression of the lungs or stomach.
• Are not able to tolerate or are not good candidates for traditional open surgery due to age, overall health, or other medical conditions.

It's important to note that not all individuals with vertebral compression fractures require surgery, and conservative treatments such as rest, pain medication, or physical therapy may be effective for mild to moderate cases. A healthcare provider will evaluate each individual's condition and determine whether kyphoplasty is appropriate for them.

Other common questions regarding kyphoplasty

• What conditions can kyphoplasty treat?
  • Kyphoplasty is primarily used to treat spinal compression fractures caused by conditions such as osteoporosis, trauma, or tumors. Spinal compression fractures occur when the vertebrae in the spine collapse or become compressed, resulting in pain, deformity, and decreased mobility.

• How long does kyphoplasty take?
  • The duration of kyphoplasty can vary depending on the number of vertebrae being treated and other factors, such as the patient's overall health and the complexity of the procedure. In general, the procedure itself typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes per vertebra, but the entire process, including preparation and recovery time, can take several hours.

• What is the recovery time for kyphoplasty?
  • In general, most patients are able to resume their normal activities within a few days to weeks after the procedure. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and bending for the first few weeks after the procedure.

• Is kyphoplasty covered by insurance?
• Kyphoplasty is typically covered by most health insurance plans for patients who meet certain medical criteria. However, coverage varies depending on the specific insurance plan.

• What are the success rates of kyphoplasty?
• Kyphoplasty is a safe and effective procedure for treating spinal compression fractures, with a high success rate in reducing pain and restoring vertebral height. 

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can provide significant pain relief and improve quality of life for patients with vertebral compression fractures. The procedure involves the use of a balloon and bone cement to stabilize the fractured vertebrae, and is associated with fewer complications and a shorter recovery time than traditional open surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of a VCF, speak to your healthcare provider about whether kyphoplasty may be appropriate for you. At Garden State Pain and Orthopedics we offer kyphoplasty to treat vertebral compression fractures. To learn more about kyphoplasty schedule an appointment with one of our Pain Management Providers by selecting the "Book Now" button. To read more about our other back pain services click here.