Kyphoplasty (Balloon Vertebroplasty)
Kyphoplasty surgery repairs a vertebral compression fracture. It helps restore the spine's natural shape. Some patients experience rapid pain relief after undergoing balloon kyphoplasty.
What You Need To Know About Kyphoplasty
What is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty can help alleviate pain from a vertebral compression fracture. This surgical procedure stops the pain and helps restore the spine's natural curvature.
During kyphoplasty, a balloon-like device is inserted in a fractured spine. This balloon is inflated until the fracture lines up with its position before it was injured. Then medical-grade cement is injected to stabilize the spine. Many patients report feeling immediate relief after their kyphoplasty.
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is done using a fluoroscope, specialized tools, and a precision needle. Minimally invasive surgical options offer patients the opportunity to enjoy relief from painful symptoms while reducing the need for additional trauma. Unlike open surgery, minimally invasive procedures avoid muscle and tissue damage, so patients experience a quicker recovery time with less scarring.
Kyphoplasty vs. Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty is a similar procedure that can help alleviate compression fracture pain. Both procedures leverage cement to repair cracks in the spine. However, kyphoplasty uses an inflated balloon-like device to expand the compression fracture and restore the vetebrae's height.
There are many options available for spine treatment. Contact the experts at Resurgens Spine Center now to learn more about kyphoplasty.
Why Is Kyphoplasty Performed?
Kyphoplasty is performed to help correct spinal irregularities due to compression fractures on one or more of their vertebrae. Compression fractures of the spine can occur as a result of osteoporosis, cancer, or traumatic injury.
These fractures develop in your lower back and can change your spine's curvature. If these fractures are left untreated, some people begin to affect a worse posture and lose their ability to stand up straight. These issues can develop and cause someone to lose their ability to walk or control their bowels.
Kyphoplasty helps stabilize the spinal column and mitigate any damage. Many patients report feeling better in as little as a few hours following their kyphoplasty.
How To Prepare for a Kyphoplasty
After your doctor recommends a kyphoplasty procedure, you will need to plan accordingly. This includes making arrangements for your care after surgery and making sure that you will have at-home help. If you are currently working, you will need to take off time from your employer.
Before your kyphoplasty, you must inform your doctor about any medication you are taking. Additionally, avoid taking any drugs like aspirin or warfarin as these can prevent the blood from clotting. On the day of your procedure, you will need to avoid eating or drinking. Your doctor will be able to give you a more in-depth preparation guide before your kyphoplasty surgery.
What Happens During Kyphoplasty?
Before the procedure, you are anesthetized. The physician guides a needle through the skin of your back and into your fractured vertebra. A special x-ray device called a "fluoroscope" helps the physician position the needle.
A balloon device is placed through the needle and into the vertebral body. The physician carefully inflates this balloon to expand the fractured bone. When the balloon is deflated, it leaves a cavity in the middle of the vertebral body. The balloon is removed. For some patients, more than one needle and balloon may be used.
The physician injects bone cement through the needle. This cement fills the cavity. It hardens inside the vertebral body, stabilizing the fracture.
When the kyphoplasty procedure is complete, the needle is removed. The opening in your skin is closed. Your doctor will give you instructions to aid your recovery.
Learn more about the Spine Center at Resurgens Orthopaedics.
Are there Risks Associated with Kyphoplasty?
Every surgical procedure has some degree of inherent risk. That said, risks for kyphoplasty are minimal. These risks can include:
Nerve damage or injury
Spinal cord injury or compression
Allergic reaction
Bleeding
Weakness, numbing or tingling as a result of nerve injury
Talk to your Resurgens Physician to learn more about the risks associated with kyphoplasty.
Post Kyphoplasty & Recovery
After your kyphoplasty procedure, you will need to recover from the anesthesia. You will be cleared to leave once you have regained consciousness and a specialist checks your vitals. At that time, you will be released into an independently-arranged caretaker. Generally, patients are able to leave following surgery. However, your doctor may ask you to stay overnight.
Some people may be able to return to their normal activities within a few days of their kyphoplasty. It is normal to feel some soreness from the needle, but tender areas will disappear within a few days. Many patients experience relief from their symptoms within a few hours.
Following surgery, your physician will create a unique treatment plan for your rehabilitation. Avoid heavy lifting or other activities for at least six weeks following surgery.
It's always the right time to take action against back pain. Get started by contacting the expert physicians at Resurgens Spine Center now!