A minimally invasive treatment called kyphoplasty is performed to treat pain brought on by compression fractures of the vertebrae. These fractures can result from thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), cancer, or accidents.
The procedure uses a local anesthetic so you won’t feel any pain. A Neurosurgery One spine neurosurgeon or physiatrist will use x-ray guidance to place a tube in the collapsed spinal bone.
What is kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery that treats fractures or breaks in the vertebrae of the spine. These wedge-shaped fractures can be caused by thinning of the bones (osteoporosis) or spinal injury. They may be painful and result in kyphosis or a bent-over posture.
During the procedure, your surgeon makes a small puncture in your back to pass a tube into the affected vertebrae. A type of X-ray called fluoroscopy guides the tube to the correct spot.
Then, your doctor inserts a balloon-like device into the bone, inflating it to restore the height of the vertebrae. They then inject bone cement into the cavity, which helps prevent further collapse.
Consulting a qualified medical professional for kyphoplasty Jacksonville FL, is crucial to determine if it’s the right path for you. But if you’re seeking a minimally invasive option for tackling vertebral compression fractures, kyphoplasty is worth exploring!
How is kyphoplasty performed?
A minimally invasive kyphoplasty is performed at your doctor’s office under local anesthetic. Your doctor will use a type of X-ray called fluoroscopy to guide a hollow needle, called a trocar, into your spine.
The trocar creates space for the surgeon to inject bone cement into your fractured spine bones. The cement prevents the bones from collapsing further and helps you stand up straighter.
In addition to restoring vertebrae height, kyphoplasty also allows doctors to reshape the damaged spinal bone, which can help relieve pain. It is not, however, a cure for compression fractures in the spine. You will still experience back pain, even after kyphoplasty.
What are the risks of kyphoplasty?
Before the surgery, a spine specialist will order an X-ray or MRI scan to confirm a vertebral compression fracture and locate the location of the fracture in the spine. A spine specialist will also discuss your medical history and perform a physical exam. They will ask you to avoid smoking and certain medications, including blood thinners.
Possible complications of kyphoplasty include pain that does not relieve or worsen, spinal cord or nerve root injury, and bone cement leakage into the lungs (pulmonary embolism). However, these risks are rare. Kyphoplasty is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for VCFs caused by osteoporosis, some cancers, and spine injuries.
What are the benefits of kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty helps relieve pain caused by compression fractures and can restore vertebral height. It can also help reduce hunched-back posture (kyphosis) and improve spinal flexibility.
The operation can be carried out as an outpatient, though admission may occasionally be necessary. A nurse or doctor will place an intravenous line in a vein in your hand or arm to administer anesthesia and monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level.
Patients with severe, recurring pain due to a vertebral compression fracture and whose symptoms are not resolved by other treatments like herniated discs or spinal stenosis are good candidates for kyphoplasty. However, the pain must be related to the fracture, not other conditions.
How long will kyphoplasty take?
The kyphoplasty procedure takes about an hour per vertebra treated and is usually performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. You may need to stay for observation for a few hours or overnight.
Using a kind of X-ray known as fluoroscopy to guide the needle, your doctor will introduce a hollow needle containing an inflating balloon-like device into the spine’s bone during the surgery. This creates a space in the bone and prevents further collapse of the fractured vertebrae.
You might feel sore from the injection site afterward, but it shouldn’t last long. The discomfort and stiffness can be reduced by applying ice for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Consider taking pain medication as directed.
What is the recovery period like after kyphoplasty?
After kyphoplasty, patients will likely need to remain in the hospital for a few hours, depending on their health. If you are very frail, you may need to stay overnight.
Most people experience pain relief a day after the procedure. Ice can help reduce swelling at the injection site, and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help relieve pain and discomfort.
Because kyphoplasty is a relatively low-risk procedure, it should take a little time before you can return to your daily activities. However, follow your doctor’s guidelines and restrictions to avoid further injury or complications. This includes avoiding heavy lifting and straining in your back.