Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), which are often caused by conditions like osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer. This procedure is designed to relieve pain, stabilize the vertebrae, and restore some of the lost height of the spine, which can improve posture and mobility.
What is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty involves the insertion of a balloon into a fractured vertebra to restore its height, followed by the injection of a special bone cement to stabilize the vertebra and provide pain relief. The procedure aims to correct the deformity caused by a compression fracture and provide relief from the pain associated with the fracture.
Conditions Treated with Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is primarily used for:
- Osteoporotic compression fractures: These occur due to weakened bones from osteoporosis.
- Spinal fractures due to trauma: Injuries from accidents or falls can result in compression fractures.
- Cancer-related fractures: Spinal metastases (cancer that has spread to the spine) can weaken vertebrae and cause fractures.
- Vertebral deformities: Kyphoplasty can help reduce the deformity of the spine caused by fractures, improving posture.
How Does Kyphoplasty Work?
- Preoperative Preparation:
- The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia and light sedation, though general anesthesia may be used in some cases.
- The patient is positioned face-down on the operating table.
- Completion:
- The procedure typically takes about 1 hour, and patients are monitored for a short time afterward.
- Postoperative Care:
- Patients are usually able to go home the same day or the following day.
- Mild pain or discomfort at the injection site may occur, but this generally resolves within a few days.
Benefits of Kyphoplasty
- Pain Relief: One of the most significant benefits of kyphoplasty is the relief of pain caused by vertebral compression fractures. Many patients experience rapid improvement in pain levels, often within 24 to 48 hours.
- Restoration of Vertebral Height: By inflating the balloon, kyphoplasty can help restore some of the lost height in the fractured vertebra, potentially improving posture and reducing spinal deformity (such as the forward bend seen in kyphosis).
- Improved Mobility and Function: By reducing pain and restoring spinal stability, patients may experience improved mobility, allowing them to return to daily activities with less discomfort.
- Minimally Invasive: Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, which means it requires only small incisions, involves less risk and blood loss compared to traditional surgery, and typically results in quicker recovery times.
Alternatives to Kyphoplasty
If kyphoplasty is not suitable, other treatment options for vertebral compression fractures include:
- Vertebroplasty: This procedure is similar to kyphoplasty but does not involve balloon inflation. Instead, bone cement is directly injected into the fractured vertebra.
- Conservative Treatments: In many cases, non-surgical treatments such as pain medications, physical therapy, and bracing can help manage the symptoms of vertebral compression fractures.
- Surgical Decompression and Fusion: In more severe cases or for patients with complex fractures, traditional surgery may be required to stabilize the spine.
Who is a Candidate for Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty may be appropriate for people who:
- Have acute or subacute vertebral compression fractures.
- Have not responded well to conservative treatments (e.g., rest, pain medications, physical therapy).
- Are experiencing significant pain that interferes with daily activities.
- Have a diagnosis of osteoporosis, cancer, or another condition causing weakened vertebrae.