TREATMENT OVERVIEW
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). These fractures, often caused by osteoporosis, can lead to severe pain and a stooped posture. By stabilizing the fracture and restoring vertebral height, kyphoplasty can provide rapid pain relief, improve mobility, and correct spinal deformity.
PROCEDURE DETAILS
During a kyphoplasty, you will be comfortably positioned face down, typically under conscious sedation and local anesthetic. The skin over the fractured vertebra is cleaned and numbed, and one or two very small incisions are made.
Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) for guidance, your physician inserts a narrow tube into the fractured vertebra. A special balloon is then passed through the tube and gently inflated. This inflation carefully pushes the compressed bone back towards its normal height, creating a cavity inside the vertebra.
The balloon is then deflated and removed. Using the newly created cavity, your physician injects a medical-grade bone cement into the vertebra. This cement hardens in minutes, forming an "internal cast" that stabilizes the fracture, prevents further collapse, and provides immediate structural support.
TREATMENT ADVANTAGES
Kyphoplasty can be a life-changing procedure for patients with painful compression fractures, allowing them to rapidly regain mobility, function, and independence.
The vast majority of patients experience dramatic and rapid relief from the severe pain of the fracture once the bone is stabilized.
The bone cement acts as an internal cast, providing immediate strength to the vertebra and preventing painful micro-movements or further collapse.
The balloon inflation can restore some or all of the lost bone height, which helps correct spinal alignment and reduce deformity (kyphosis).
By alleviating severe pain, kyphoplasty allows patients to get out of bed, walk, and return to their daily activities much more quickly.
Performed through tiny incisions in the back, this procedure avoids the major risks and long recovery of traditional open spinal surgery.
The profound pain relief often allows patients to significantly reduce their dependence on strong opioid pain medications.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Kyphoplasty is a highly successful and safe procedure for vertebral compression fractures. While complications are rare, it is a surgical procedure and carries some risks, which your doctor will discuss with you in detail.
Important: For patients suffering from the debilitating pain of a vertebral compression fracture, the significant benefits of kyphoplasty typically far outweigh the potential risks.
PREPARATION GUIDE
Proper preparation is key to a successful and smooth procedure. Please review the following important steps to ensure you are ready for your appointment.
Ensure you have a thorough review with Dr. Fura. Disclose all allergies, especially to medications like contrast dye.
Stop blood thinners and other specific medications as instructed by Dr. Fura before your procedure.
Do not eat or drink after midnight. You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home afterward.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Avoid jewelry and leave valuables at home for safekeeping.
RECOVERY GUIDE
Recovery from kyphoplasty is remarkably fast compared to traditional surgery. Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth return to your activities.
You will be monitored for 1-2 hours before going home. Rest is encouraged, but you should be up and walking. Manage any soreness with ice packs and mild pain relievers as directed.
Post-procedure soreness should begin to fade, revealing the significant relief from your original fracture pain. You can gradually increase your daily activities, such as walking.
Most patients feel a dramatic improvement and are able to resume most of their normal light activities. Continue to avoid any heavy lifting, bending, or twisting.
Your follow-up visit is important to check your progress. Your doctor will also discuss managing the underlying cause of the fracture, such as osteoporosis treatment, to prevent future issues.
Please don't hesitate to reach out and request an appointment. We look forward to meeting with you, addressing your concerns, and working together to enhance your quality of life.