What is kyphoplasty?
Back pain can be really debilitating and can reduce a person's quality of life. One common cause of severe chronic back pain is spinal compression fractures, which can be caused by osteoporosis or other issues affecting the spine. Spinal compression fractures can be treated in many ways, but one effective treatment option is kyphoplasty. This minimally invasive procedure has been gaining popularity among pain management doctors and orthopedic surgeons as it can restore the structural integrity of the spine without severe side effects.
In this blog post, we will explore what kyphoplasty is, what it involves, how it helps and what patients can expect from the procedure.
What is kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where a surgeon inserts a small balloon into the vertebrae to restore the vertebral body's height and reduce its deformity. The surgeon then injects bone cement under pressure into the collapsed vertebra to stabilize the fracture. The procedure takes about an hour per treated level, with the patient under local or general anesthesia. Typically, patients can go home the same day or the following day.
How does kyphoplasty help with spinal compression fractures?
Kyphoplasty offers several benefits to patients with spinal compression fractures. Firstly, it provides pain relief by restoring the vertebral body's height and reducing the pressure on the nerves that cause pain. Secondly, it allows rapid return of mobility, especially in the elderly or those with mobility issues. Finally, by preventing further spinal deformity, it reduces the risk of future fractures, slows the progression of osteoporosis and thus improves the patients' quality of life.
How does kyphoplasty help with osteoporosis?
Kyphoplasty is particularly beneficial for patients with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis weakens the bones, making them prone to fractures. In the case of spinal compression fractures, which are quite common in osteoporosis patients, kyphoplasty can restore the height of the collapsed vertebrae and relieve pain. By injecting the vertebrae with bone cement, the procedure stabilizes the fractures, reducing the likelihood of further fractures occurring. Additionally, kyphoplasty aids in slowing the progression of osteoporosis by preserving vertebral body height and maintaining spinal alignment. This helps prevent the onset of the 'dowager's hump,' a common symptom of advanced osteoporosis. Therefore, while kyphoplasty is not a cure for osteoporosis, it can significantly improve the quality of life for those suffering from the osteoporosis-related spinal fractures.
Who is a typical candidate for kyphoplasty?
It's important to note that kyphoplasty is not recommended for everyone. A patient's candidacy for the procedure depends on their medical history, the severity of the spinal compression fractures, their general health and any existing medical conditions. However, kyphoplasty is often recommended by Dr. Edrick Lopez for patients with severe back pain that affects their mobility, at least 50% vertebral body height reduction, progressive vertebral body collapse and vertebral fractures that affect the spinal cord's ability to function.
What does a typical kyphoplasty procedure look like?
The kyphoplasty procedure typically involves a few key steps. To begin with, the patient is positioned face down and anesthesia is administered. Once the patient is comfortable, the surgeon uses fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray, to identify the precise location of the fracture. Then, a small incision is made in the back, through which a narrow tube is inserted, guided into place with the help of the fluoroscope.
Next, a small orthopedic balloon is passed through the tube and into the vertebrae. This balloon is then carefully inflated, creating a space by elevating the fracture and returning the pieces to a more normal position. Once the desired height and angle have been achieved, the balloon is deflated and removed, leaving the cavity it created behind.
In the final step, the surgeon injects a specialized cement mixture into the cavity. This quickly hardens, creating an "internal cast" that stabilizes the vertebral body. The incision is then closed, and the patient is moved into the recovery room. The entire procedure usually takes about an hour for each vertebra involved, but may vary depending on the specifics of the case.
What should you expect after a kyphoplasty?
Patients will experience a significant reduction in back pain immediately after the procedure. You may need to stay in the hospital for up to two days, but in most cases, patients can go home on the same day. Your physician will monitor you for the next several weeks to ensure that your nerve function and mobility are improving. Patients should avoid any activity that strain the spine, including lifting heavy objects for the first several weeks after the surgery. However, most patients can resume their regular routine within six weeks.
Dr. Edrick Lopez at DFW Interventional Pain Institute can help you determine if you're a good candidate for kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is an excellent option for people suffering from spinal compression fractures. The procedure is minimally invasive, relatively safe, and effective in providing pain relief and improving mobility. If you're experiencing any type of back pain, our team at DFW Interventional Pain Institute can help evaluate what treatment methods will be best for you. Make an appointment today and take the first step in your journey towards living your best life!
