Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a procedure that is performed by the board certified radiologists of Professional Radiology Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery of the spine in order to correct fractures that are present in the vertebrae.  This procedure involves using a balloon to restore the height and shape of the vertebral body and is then followed by bone cement in order to strengthen it.

Kyphoplasty treats osteoporotic fractures that occur in the vertebra, which are also called vertebral compression fractures.  These are most commonly caused by osteoporosis, which is a condition that occurs when there is a loss of calcium from the bones, which causes the bones to become weak.  Osteoporosis is a risk factor for a fracture of the vertebral body.  Approximately eight out of ten people who suffer from osteoporosis are female.  In addition to osteoporosis as a factor, vertebral compression fractures can additionally be caused by arthritis, degenerative disc diseases, cancer, or trauma to the back.

When a vertebral compression fracture occurs, the top of the vertebral body collapses downward and creates a wedged vertebrae which is of shortened stature.  The change in height and spinal alignment can cause kyphosis, which displays itself in a hunched or rounded back.  Some of the symptoms of kyphosis and vertebral compression fractures may include difficulty sleeping, loss of height, depression and anxiety, decreased appetite, decreased lung function, limited function and reduced mobility, chronic or severe pain in the back, and a loss of independence in daily activities.

People who are most at risk for this condition include people who have had trauma to the back, such as a car accident or fall, arthritis, degenerative disc diseases, osteoporosis, or cancer.  Patients who experience painful symptoms or spinal deformities will likely be candidates for kyphoplasty.  It is important to note that the procedure should be completed within eight weeks of the fracture occurring. 

If you have been determined to be a good candidate for this procedure, you will have medical exams and diagnostic studies performed in order to identify the Vertebral compression fractures.  This procedure can be performed under general anesthesia or using local anesthesia.  You will need to speak to your doctor about the best option for you. 

During the kyphoplasty, a small incision will be made in your back and a narrow tube will be placed inside which creates a path through your back and then into the area of the fracture.  The doctor will use X-ray images to insert a balloon through the tube and into the vertebrae.  At this point, the balloon will be inflated, and while it inflates, the fracture elevates, and the vertebrae is placed in a more normal aligned position.  Once the balloon is removed, the cavity is filled with a material like cement that will harden quickly and stabilize your bone.  This procedure takes approximately one hour for each vertebrae. 

After your kyphoplasty procedure, you will be observed in the recovery room.  You will probably be able to leave the hospital the day of the procedure or at least the day after.  For many patients, the pain relief will be immediate, but for others, the reduction or elimination of pain may take two days.  Once you arrive home, you can return to normal activities, with the exception of no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. 

Most patients report both short and long term improvements in their pain relief.  Kyphoplasty is reported to reduce back pain, improve performance of daily activities, improve body height restoration, and improve overall quality of life.