Kyphoplasty (Balloon Vertebroplasty)

 

This minimally-invasive procedure repairs a vertebral compression fracture. It helps restore the spine's natural shape. Some patients experience rapid pain relief after the procedure.

Before the procedure, you are anesthetized. The physician guides a needle through the skin of your back and into 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 procedure is complete, the needle is removed. The opening in your skin is closed. Your doctor will give you instructions to aid your recovery.

 

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Kyphoplasty / Vertebroplasty Q & A

 

What is kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to restore and repair vertebrae with compression fractures. Your University Pain and Spine Center doctor uses surgical cement to fill and repair your vertebra. Kyphoplasty is a restorative treatment only — your doctor won’t recommend it as a preventive measure if you have osteoporosis. 

Compression fractures are painful and can restrict your mobility. Bone fragments rub against each other, irritating your tissue and causing inflammation and pain. The swelling might also compress a nerve, which can lead to pain that radiates to your arms or legs as well as numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. 

What happens during kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a relatively quick outpatient procedure. If your doctor only repairs one vertebra, it takes less than an hour. 

Your doctor begins by taking X-rays to confirm the location of your compression fracture. Then, they clean the skin on your back or neck and provide a local anesthetic. 

Then, using fluoroscopy — a special type of X-ray — your doctor guides a hollow needle into your damaged vertebra. They insert a surgical balloon through the needle and inflate it to restore the natural shape of the bone. 

Next, your doctor injects surgical cement into your vertebra. Finally, they remove the needle and bandage the injection site. 

What should I expect after kyphoplasty?

You should be able to get up and walk around within an hour of kyphoplasty. You might feel a little tender or sore, but any discomfort should subside quickly. Your doctor might prescribe bone-strengthening supplements or medications to help restore your bones and reduce your risk of future injuries. 

Your doctor also schedules a follow-up appointment so they can check that your procedure was successful. They provide instructions on attending physical therapy and returning to your regular activities safely. 

How do I know if kyphoplasty is right for me?

The team at the University Pain and Spine Center provides comprehensive consultations and exams to identify the condition causing your pain. It’s critical to understand the root cause of your symptoms to create an effective treatment plan. In addition to a physical exam and blood tests, they use diagnostic imaging studies, X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to assess your needs. 

If your exam reveals a compression fracture, your doctor discusses your treatment options, including kyphoplasty, and answers your questions so you can make an informed choice about your treatment. 

If you have back or neck pain and suspect a fracture, call the University Pain and Spine Center or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatments like kyphoplasty.

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OVERVIEW

 

Vertebroplasty is an outpatient procedure. Under the guidance of an X-ray for proper placement, a biopsy needle is inserted into the fractured vertebra. The biopsy needle is used to inject a quick drying, acrylic cement into the vertebra providing strength and stabilization. There is only a small skin puncture made by a hollow needle, which is covered by a small bandage following the procedure. To provide comfort during the procedure, patients are given local anesthesia and light sedation.

Kyphoplasty is very similar to Vertebroplasty. Under the guidance of an X-ray a needle is inserted into the fractured vertebra however a balloon is then placed through the needle into the bone. The balloon is inflated with bone cement. This procedure is most successful when done on a compression fracture(s) that has occurred within the previous three months.

LIST OF CONDITIONS COMMONLY USED TO TREAT

• Compression Fractures
• Spinal Deformities

TYPICAL BENEFITS/OUTCOMES

• Return to normal activity
• Reduction in pain medication
• Prevention of further fractures
• Restore Lost Height