Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). The surgery stabilizes your spine, relieves pain, and helps restore vertebral height by realigning the affected vertebrae with neighboring structures. For best results, the procedure should ideally be performed within eight weeks of sustaining a VCF, as early treatment offers significant relief from symptoms such as chronic back pain and postural changes caused by uneven healing of the fractured vertebra. During your consultation, your specialist will evaluate your condition and determine whether kyphoplasty is the right treatment for you.

The vertebrae are small bones that make up the spinal column. They help support your weight and protect against injury by cushioning any impact to other parts of your body, especially when you bend or position yourself horizontally like sleeping on an inclined plane. If they become compressed, say due to osteoporosis, they can become so brittle that simple activities, such as sneezing or bending over, may lead to a VSF fracture.

The sudden and sharp pain that develops due to a vertebral compression fracture can be debilitating. Patients with these symptoms may also experience limited spinal movement, an inability to stand up straight without assistance from others, as well as height loss over time. If they do not seek treatment for this condition immediately after it develops then untreated fractures cause deformity in your spine which can lead to a disability.

Kyphoplasty can be performed as day surgery, and you will most likely have immediate relief from your pain following the procedure. You need to take it easy for 24 hours after kyphoplasty treatment; though some patients may resume work or other activities sooner than this time frame if they do not feel any discomfort in their legs or elsewhere while doing them – just make sure that whatever activity is resumed has been approved.

While you are resting comfortably under anesthesia, your pain specialist uses fluoroscopy (live X-ray guidance) to precisely insert a hollow needle into the fractured vertebra. A small medical balloon is then carefully inflated to restore the bone’s natural height, creating a cavity that is filled with specialized bone cement to permanently stabilize the spine and provide rapid pain relief.