Kyphoplasty Procedure

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spinal surgery used to treat compression fractures in the spine, typically caused by conditions like osteoporosis or spinal tumors. The ultimate goal of the surgery is to restore some of the lost height of the vertebrae, stabilize the fractured vertebrae, and relieve the back pain that those injuries are causing. Kyphoplasty may be exactly what you need. Contact Comprehensive Spine and Pain at 405-601-4227 to learn more about how we can assist you.

Risks and Benefits of Kyphoplasty

Risks

No surgery is without its inherent risks, and kyphoplasty surgery is no different. While the procedure is generally safe and approved by healthcare professionals, there are certain specific risks and benefits that you should discuss with your back pain doctor prior to surgery. It’s important to be as informed as you possibly can before undergoing any sort of procedure, invasive or otherwise. Here are some of the risks of kyphoplasty:

• Infection: Every surgery carries the risk of infection. In a kyphoplasty, infection is rare, but it can occur if the area of surgery is not properly cleaned or if the bandages are not changed frequently. A recent study published by the Washington State Health Care Authority showed that infection can happen, but the risk is quite minimal.
• Bleeding: Much like infection, bleeding is an inherent risk present in virtually every surgery one can have performed. If the proper precautions are taken, as they generally are, the risk of bleeding is minimal.
• Nerve Damage: In some rare cases, you could suffer minor nerve damage that could cause a tingling sensation or numbness. Recent studies of kyphoplasty and similar procedures show that the risk of nerve damage is generally minimal.

Benefits

Kyphoplasty has the potential to completely change your quality of life, especially if you have been suffering from the negative effects of compression fractures for quite some time. Here are some of the inherent benefits of a kyphoplasty surgery:

• Sustained Pain Relief: Kyphoplasty can reduce or even totally eliminate the chronic back pain that comes with compression fractures in the spine. Often, this pain can disappear within a short period after the procedure.
• Improved Mobility: After the procedure, the height and shape of your fractured vertebrae may be restored, resulting in a significant improvement in your mobility and daily functionality. You may find it easier to walk, move around, and participate in various activities.
• Reduced Medication Reliance: One of the common benefits of a kyphoplasty surgery is a reduced need for pain medications. The procedure alone can be enough to relieve your chronic back pain substantially. You may find you are no longer in need of prescription pain meds, including opioids.

How the Procedure Works

Before the procedure, your doctor will conduct a thorough examination to identify the compression fractures. They may also draw blood for testing to ensure there are no sudden complications that could prevent the surgery.

The procedure begins with the anesthesiologist delivering medicine to you through an IV. Depending on the difficulty of your surgery, the anesthesia may be enough to relieve your pain and relax you or put you to sleep entirely. Once you are under, your surgeon will use X-rays to locate the area of the fracture and insert a needle into your skin and back muscles.

The needle will inject a small balloon to help the vertebra return to its normal shape. The balloon will open a space for your surgeon to inject medical bone cement into the vertebra. Throughout this process, your surgeon will be checking the X-ray to ensure the medical cement is going into the correct area. This cement tightens the area around your bones to keep them from collapsing due to the fracture. Then, the needle comes out with no stitches needed.

Is Kyphoplasty an Inpatient or Outpatient Procedure?

Kyphoplasty is often performed as an outpatient procedure, since most patients are able to go home the same day as their surgery. Pain relief can be fairly rapid, but you may feel soreness at the injection site for several weeks.

How Long Does Kyphoplasty Take?

Generally, the entire procedure will take less than an hour to complete. It may take longer if there are multiple vertebrae to be treated.

When Can I Return to Normal Activities?

Be sure to speak with your doctor about your recovery timeline and find out what activities you should actively avoid for the time being. Your doctor may advise you to take certain medications and vitamins to facilitate healing.

How Should I Prepare for Kyphoplasty?

There are many different things you should do to prepare yourself for kyphoplasty. At the end of the day, it is still a surgical procedure, albeit minimally invasive. You should listen to your doctor’s advice regarding fasting, medication adjustments, and various pre-procedure instructions that may be unique to your case. Arrange for a ride home, as you will likely still be somewhat sedated when the procedure is finished.

What Is the Success Rate of Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty surgeries generally have a high and favorable success rate. Most patients report significant pain relief and improved mobility, with some studies reporting a general success rate of over 90%.

What Happens After a Kyphoplasty Treatment?

After a kyphoplasty treatment, you should avoid any strenuous activity for at least several weeks. Your doctor will likely give you a much more specific timeframe for healing. If there are any complications, such as bleeding, infection, or cement leakage, your doctor will help you handle them. You may experience significant pain relief within a few days.

Reach Out to a Medical Professional Today

Depending on the nature of your compression fracture and vertebrae problems, you may want to ask your doctor about a kyphoplasty surgery as a potential fix for your chronic back pain. The surgery is less invasive than you may think, and your recovery may result in a significant decrease in back pain.

Our medical team at Comprehensive Spine and Pain understands what’s at stake for you. Helping to alleviate your back pain is our primary goal. Reach out to us at 405-601-4227 or contact us through our online portal to learn more about how we can assist you during a consultation. A member of our team can help you get started.