Kyphoplasty

What is kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a procedure that treats compression fractures in the spine. A compression fracture occurs when a vertebral bone collapses or crumbles, affecting the height and structure of the bone. 

These types of fractures usually occur in the thoracic or lumbar spine. Though trauma to the spine may lead to a compression fracture, osteoporosis is the most common cause. Osteoporosis is a bone disorder that makes your bones weak and more susceptible to breaks.

People with osteoporosis may develop a compression fracture doing everyday things like walking down the stairs or lifting a bag off the floor. 

A compression fracture causes severe pain, loss of height, and spinal deformity. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment for this type of fracture that supports healing, eases pain, and restores vertebral height and function.

Am I a candidate for kyphoplasty?

Your provider at Advanced Spine and Pain Center determines if you’re a candidate for kyphoplasty after a consultation. They may consider you a candidate for the procedure if you have severe back pain from a compression fracture that fails to improve with medication and physical therapy.

They perform kyphoplasty on patients who have compression fractures from osteoporosis, cancer (spinal tumor or metastatic cancer), and trauma. However, they may not consider you a candidate for kyphoplasty if you have bone fragments in the spine.

What happens during kyphoplasty?

Advanced Spine and Pain Center performs kyphoplasty at the clinic. Your provider reviews the details of the procedure at your consultation, so you know what to expect.

During your kyphoplasty, your provider injects bone cement into the fractured vertebrae using X-ray-guided imaging. They can perform this procedure in 30 minutes.

After spending some time in the recovery area for monitoring, your provider sends you home. 

What can I expect after kyphoplasty?

Most people walk within an hour after kyphoplasty. Though you may feel some soreness at your injection site, you should feel significant improvements in your back pain immediately following the procedure.

You can resume most of your usual activities within 24 hours, but you need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for six or more weeks.

To learn more about kyphoplasty and how it can help you get relief from your vertebral compression fracture pain, call Advanced Spine and Pain Center or book an appointment online today.