Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes a fractured or compressed vertebra, reduces back pain, as well as restores height and spinal alignment. Kyphoplasty can increase the patient’s functional abilities, allow a return to the previous level of activity, and prevent further vertebral collapse. When a vertebra fractures, the bone it becomes compressed and distorted, which causes pain. These compression fractures, which may involve the collapse of one or more vertebrae in the spine, are a result of osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a disease that results in a loss of normal bone density, mass and strength, leading to a condition in which bones becomes vulnerable to breaking. Vertebrae can also become weakened by cancer.
In Kyphoplasty, balloons are used to gently elevate the fractured vertebrae in an attempt to return it to the correct position. The balloon creates a void or a cavity that is then filled with a special cement to prevent further collapse. Kyphoplasty can be performed in patients who have severe pain.
Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can repair spinal fractures. It takes about an hour (per level) to treat a fracture with balloon kyphoplasty, and the procedure can be done on an outpatient or an inpatient basis, depending on the needs of the patient.
During kyphoplasty surgery, a small incision is made in the back through which the surgeon places a narrow tube. With the help of fluoroscopy the surgeon guides it to the correct position; the tube creates a path through the back into the fractured vertebrae.
Using X-ray images, the surgeon inserts a special balloon through the tube and into the vertebrae, and then gently and carefully inflates it. As the balloon inflates, it elevates the fracture, returning the pieces to normal position. The balloon is removed and the surgeon uses specially designed instruments to fill the cavity with a cement like material called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). After being injected, the cement like material hardens quickly, stabilizing the injured bone.
Kyphoplasty is minimally invasive procedure, can be performed under local or general anesthesia as an inpatient or even outpatient procedure. After Kyphoplasty surgery pain relief will be immediate for some patients, while in others, reduction of pain is reported within two days. Patients can early return to their normal daily activities, although strenuous exercises, such as heavy lifting, should be avoided for at least six weeks.