Kyphoplasty Q & A's
What is kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive surgical procedures that treat vertebral compression fractures. The team at Headache & Pain Center, AMC usually performs vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty together.
Vertebroplasty involves injecting a small amount of cement into the bone to strengthen it. Kyphoplasty creates room for the cement mixture using a small balloon.
Why would I need kyphoplasty?
Compression fractures due to osteoporosis are the most common reason for kyphoplasty. A compression fracture is a break in one of the vertebrae. In addition to pain, compression fractures can make it difficult to move freely and also lead to a hunched back.
You may be a good candidate for kyphoplasty if you suffer from progressive back pain as the result of a compression fracture, and conservative treatments like bracing and physical therapy don’t provide adequate relief.
The team at Headache & Pain Center,amc can confirm the presence of a vertebral fracture with imaging tests, such as a spinal X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan. Kyphoplasty is not an appropriate treatment for other types of back pain, such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or arthritis.
What should I expect from a kyphoplasty procedure?
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures that usually occur on an outpatient basis, which means you don’t have to stay in the hospital. Depending on your needs, you may get a local or general anesthetic before surgery.
During the procedure, your surgeon inserts a needle into the fractured bone. They use X-ray imaging to guide the needle to the precise location. They use the needle to insert a small balloon into the bone, and carefully inflate the balloon to restore height to your spine.
Then, they remove the balloon and inject the space with a cement mixture to prevent it from collapsing. They remove the needle and bandage the area. No stitches are necessary. Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for one bone usually take about an hour.
Afterward, you may feel soreness or pain. This usually resolves within a couple of days.
To find out how kyphoplasty can improve your quality of life, call Headache & Pain Center,amc to book an appointment today.
