KYPHOPLASTY FOR COMPRESSION FRACTURES
Experts In Kyphoplasty For Spinal Compression Fractures
Have you been diagnosed with a spinal compression fracture and have been offered a kyphoplasty?
Do NOT settle on just anyone. Trust the superior training and expertise of a board-certified neurosurgeon to perform your kyphoplasty. Because we are experienced spine surgeons, our outcomes are superior. You deserve the highest level of care for your spine.
To schedule an appointment, call: (336) 761-4020
- Effective, immediate pain relief
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- No general anesthesia required
- No down time
What is kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty, or vertebroplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure to help alleviate debilitating pain from a compression fracture which causes bone fragments rubbing against each other by injecting cement to sequester the bone fragments together like a glue, thus stabilizing the fracture. Compression fractures are usually caused by vertebrae collapse due to osteoporosis, trauma, or bones that are weakened by cancer. Kyphoplasty is not a preventative treatment for osteoporosis and cannot be performed on chronic compression fractures.
This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting but can be performed under general anesthesia. Kyphoplasty is performed through a very small incision and a hollow needle (trocar) is inserted into the skin through the back while the patient lays on their stomach. With the aid of fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray, the trocar is guided through the muscles and into the correct position in your bone. Next, an inflatable balloon is inserted into the trocar and the balloon is inflated to create the space needed for the bone cement and a cement mixture is injected to fill up the space. X-rays are taken throughout the procedure to ensure proper placement and to confirm the cement is distributed properly. Once the cement is in place it solidifies in approximately 10 minutes and a back brace is not needed to be worn afterwards.
Patients go home the same day as this is usually performed in an outpatient setting.
Candidates for kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty
These procedures can be effective in treating people whose bones are weakened by cancer or whose vertebrae collapse due to osteoporosis, a disease that causes loss of bone density.
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are used to mend recent fractures. However, they aren’t used as a preventive technique, even for osteoporosis. As well, they’re usually not advised for herniated disks, back arthritis, or curvature of the spine due to scoliosis.
These two procedures haven’t been extensively tested in younger, otherwise healthy people. The long-term effects of the bone cement aren’t known, so these procedures are generally reserved for older people.
What happens before and during the procedures
Preparation
Because kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are surgical procedures, your doctor will probably order some blood tests before the day of your surgery. Imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI scan,f will help your surgeon see the area or areas that need repair.
In preparation, an intravenous line (IV) will be placed in a vein in your arm to deliver anesthesia. You may also receive pain and anti-nausea medications, as well as antibiotics to prevent infection. You’ll probably also be connected to heart, pulse, and blood pressure monitors.
Procedures
For these procedures, you need to lie down on your stomach. The area in which the needle will be inserted is shaved, if necessary, and then cleaned and sterilized. A local anesthetic may be injected in the same place.
Your surgeon then performs these steps:
- The surgeon inserts a hollow needle (trocar) into your skin. With the aid of fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray, they guide the needle through your muscles and into the correct position in your bone.
- They next insert an inflatable balloon into the trocar.
- The balloon is then inflated to create the space needed for the bone cement.
- Once the space has opened up, the mixture is injected to fill it up. Imaging tests will help the surgeon confirm that the mixture is distributed properly.
- Once the cement is in place, the needle is removed.
- The area is bandaged. Stitches won’t be necessary.
- Your IV and monitoring equipment are removed.
If only one vertebra is being treated, kyphoplasty usually takes less than an hour.
What is kyphoplasty?
Following the procedure, you’ll probably stay in a recovery room for a short time. You may be encouraged to get up and walk within an hour of the procedure. Some soreness is to be expected.
You may be able to go home later that day. However, you might need to stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring if:
- your procedure involves more than one vertebra
- there were any complications
- your general health isn’t good
Your doctor will advise you when you can resume normal activities and if you should take any bone-strengthening supplements or medications. You’ll probably be asked to schedule a follow-up visit to check your progress.
An ice pack can help relieve immediate soreness or pain, but you should be feeling better within 48 hours.
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