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Kyphoplasty
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What is Kyphoplasty ?
Kyphoplasty is used to treat painful compression fractures in the spine. In a compression fracture, all or part of a spine bone collapses.
The procedure is also called balloon kyphoplasty.
Kyphoplasty are generally reserved for people with painful progressive (increasing) back pain caused by osteoporotic or pathologic vertebral compression fractures. Candidates for these procedures often have a reduced ability to move and function because of the fractures.
Procedure
- You will be placed on a table on your stomach.
- You will be given an injection of antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection.
- You will be given an intravenous sedative, and a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area around the damaged spine. The sedative will make you drowsy but will not put you to sleep.
- A special X-ray machine called a fluoroscope will be used by the physician to assure proper needle placement and optimal cement deposition.
- If one vertebra is being treated, the procedure usually takes about one hour. If more than one site must be treated, the procedure will take longer.
What are the Risks?
Kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty is very low-risk. There’s a slight chance you could get an infection, bleeding, increased back pain, or numbness and tingling. If you have osteoporosis, there is a risk of developing additional fractures at other vertebral bodies in your spine. To avoid this risk, your healthcare provider will want to ensure that you are on medications to improve your bone quality.