Vertebral compression fractures affect those with osteoporosis or spinal tumors. These fractures can cause severe pain, reduced mobility, and spinal deformity. Kyphoplasty represents a minimally invasive surgical option designed to address these complications while helping restore vertebral height and spinal alignment.
What Is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to treat vertebral compression fractures. The technique involves inserting a small balloon into the fractured vertebra. Once positioned, the balloon is inflated to create space within the collapsed vertebra and restore some of its original height. After the balloon creates the necessary space, it is removed, and the cavity is filled with bone cement. This cement hardens, providing structural support to the vertebra and helping prevent further collapse. The procedure differs from vertebroplasty, another treatment for vertebral compression fractures, primarily in its approach to restoring vertebral height. While vertebroplasty involves direct injection of bone cement into the fractured vertebra, kyphoplasty uses the balloon technique to create controlled space before cement injection.
Who Is It For?
Kyphoplasty may be recommended for patients with specific types of vertebral compression fractures that meet certain criteria. The procedure is most commonly performed on individuals with osteoporotic compression fractures. Patients with vertebral compression fractures caused by certain types of spinal tumors may also be candidates for kyphoplasty. These fractures can result from primary bone tumors or metastatic disease that has spread to the spine from other parts of the body.
Patients experiencing persistent pain that has not responded to conservative treatments such as rest, bracing, or pain medications may be candidates for kyphoplasty. The procedure is generally recommended when pain significantly impacts quality of life and daily activities. Medical professionals evaluate several factors when determining if a patient is suitable for kyphoplasty. These include the patient’s overall health status, the location and severity of the fracture, bone density, and the presence of other medical conditions that might affect healing or increase surgical risk.
What Does the Process Involve?
The kyphoplasty procedure itself is usually performed under anesthesia. The patient lies face down on the operating table. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the surgeon makes small incisions on each side of the spine near the fractured vertebra. Small balloons are inserted into the fractured vertebra. The balloons are then carefully inflated to create space within the collapsed bone and restore some of the vertebra’s original height and shape. After achieving the desired correction, the balloons are deflated and removed. The cavity created by the balloons is then filled with bone cement, which hardens within minutes to provide structural support to the vertebra.
The entire procedure typically takes less than 60 minutes, depending on the number of vertebrae being treated. Most patients can return home the same day or after an overnight hospital stay for observation. Patients typically experience some soreness at the incision sites, which usually resolves within a few days.
Speak With a Spine Specialist
Kyphoplasty offers a minimally invasive option for treating vertebral compression fractures that cause persistent pain and functional limitations. The procedure’s ability to restore vertebral height while providing structural support makes it a valuable treatment option for appropriately selected patients. Consulting with a spine specialist can help determine whether kyphoplasty or other treatment options may be appropriate for your specific condition. A thorough evaluation will assess your individual circumstances and help guide treatment decisions based on your unique medical needs.
