Kyphoplasty for Vertebrae Repair & Relief

What is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a procedure used to repair damaged vertebrae and help them regain their former shape. Such damage is typically caused by a vertebral fracture, cancer treatment, or osteoporosis, all of which can lead to intense pain and limited mobility. Kyphoplasty can be done in-office at The Orthopaedic Center, so hospitalization is not required for most patients.

Who Is a Candidate for Kyphoplasty?

Patients who have suffered spinal injuries, suffer from osteoporosis, or had their spine weakened through other means such as cancer medication are all candidates for Kyphoplasty.

What’s the Difference Between Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty?

Similar to vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that injects a highly specialized cement mixture into the affected vertebrae in order to reinforce it.

The major factor that separates a vertebroplasty from a kyphoplasty is that during a vertebroplasty the mixture is injected directly into the bone, whereas a kyphoplasty first requires the use of a balloon to create space in the vertebrae before adding the cement. The inflated balloon helps to ensure that the mixture is able to reach all crevasses within the vertebrae while also restoring the vertebrae to its natural height.

What Happens During a Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty can be performed in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia (much like dental work) or under general anesthesia at the hospital. Only one or two small incisions need to be made, which are where a probe will enter into the skin and allow the cement mixture to pass through to the vertebrae. Once in place, the balloon will be expanded and the cement injected.

Throughout this entire process your specialist will be monitoring the location of the probe and strengthening substance using contrast and real time X-ray or fluoroscopic technology. The whole procedure lasts approximately 1 hour or less, after which the patient is typically able to return home so long as there were no unforeseen complications.

Most patients report improved symptoms within 48 hours of completing a kyphoplasty.