Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spinal procedure designed to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), which are often caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or metastatic cancer. These fractures can lead to severe back pain, reduced mobility, and spinal deformities if left untreated. The goal of kyphoplasty is to relieve pain, restore vertebral height, and stabilize the spine by reinforcing the fractured bone with specialized bone cement.
This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients who have persistent pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments like rest, pain medication, or bracing. Many individuals experience significant pain relief and improved function within days of the procedure, allowing them to return to normal activities with greater comfort.
While kyphoplasty is an effective treatment for vertebral compression fractures, it is not suitable for all spinal conditions. The procedure is designed to address fractures caused by osteoporosis or trauma, but it cannot correct long-standing spinal deformities or advanced degenerative spine diseases.
Other limitations include:
A thorough evaluation, including imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs, is necessary to determine if kyphoplasty is the right treatment for an individual’s condition.
Kyphoplasty is generally a safe and well-tolerated procedure, but like any medical treatment, it carries some risks. Complications are rare, but they may include:
Despite these risks, kyphoplasty has a high success rate, and most patients experience significant pain relief with minimal complications.
Kyphoplasty is a quick and minimally invasive procedure, typically performed on an outpatient basis. It involves the following steps:
After the procedure, patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few weeks to allow the spine to heal properly.
Kyphoplasty is most effective for acute or subacute compression fractures, meaning fractures that are relatively recent and still causing pain. Some of the common types include:
The type and severity of the fracture determine whether kyphoplasty or another treatment approach is best.
Kyphoplasty is most effective for acute or subacute compression fractures, meaning fractures that are relatively recent and still causing pain. Some of the common types include:
The type and severity of the fracture determine whether kyphoplasty or another treatment approach is best.