Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a new minimally invasive technique in vertebral compression fractures. It is primarily performed for patients who suffer vertebral fracture due to diminished bone strength.

Patients who benefit the most from kyphoplasty include those with osteoporosis or age related bone loss. In addition, steroids also weaken the bones of young people, who then face the risk of compression fractures.

Purpose of Kyphoplasty

stop the pain associated with the fracture

stabilize the vertebra

restore vertebral body height

Kyphoplasty is one of the latest breakthroughs in the field of minimally invasive techniques. Since the technique was adopted in 1998, more than 200,000 kyphoplasties have been performed worldwide.

By achieving fracture stabilization and correction of spinal deformity, patients experience significant reduction in pain and improvement in mobility, thus leading to an overall improvement in the quality of life.

Kyphoplasty Procedure

Kyphoplasty uses a two-step process, inclusive of inserting a special balloon device and injection of the bone cement.

It involves an introduction of a cannula into the vertebral body followed by the insertion of an inflatable balloon. The balloon is inserted through tiny incisions along the spine and then inflated to expand the broken bone.

Once done, the bone cement is then injected into the fracture. This restores height and stabilizes the compressed vertebra. After the balloon is removed, there is an empty space within the vertebral body that allows for the low-pressure injection of the cement-like material polymethylmethacrylate into the cavity created by the balloon.

The procedure might be performed under intravenous sedation and the patient might be administered a local or general anesthetic.

Results

Kyphoplasty is considered most successful in restoring bone height and correcting deformity if done on relatively recent fractures, diagnosed within two to three months. Patients are able to return home the same day and resume their daily activities almost immediately after the surgery.

The above information is not all inclusive of the risks, alternatives and benefits. It is not meant to be a substitute for informed discussion between you and your doctor, but can act as a starting point for such a discussion. There are complications possible with any medical procedure. Overall, minimally invasive procedures have a lower complication rate than open surgeries.