Kyphoplasty

What is kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a procedure that relieves pain and stabilizes your spine by treating fractured or collapsed vertebrae, the individual bones stacked along your spine. 

Instead of traditional surgery, this minimally invasive technique uses small instruments to access the damaged vertebrae. Your provider at Premier Injury Providers then inserts a balloon into the vertebra and inflates it to restore its height. Once the vertebra is back in place, they inject medical bone cement to stabilize it.

This approach can help reduce back pain and improve your mobility. Many people find relief and better movement within a few days of the procedure.

Who should consider kyphoplasty?

You should consider kyphoplasty if you have a fractured vertebra in your spine that’s causing pain or making it hard to move. This procedure is especially helpful for people with osteoporosis, where bones become weak and can break easily. 

If your back pain doesn’t improve with rest, medication, or physical therapy, kyphoplasty might be an option to relieve pain and stabilize your spine. It’s also worth considering if you’ve noticed a loss of height or a hunched posture due to spinal fractures. The procedure can help restore height and improve mobility.

How should I prepare for kyphoplasty?

Your provider gives you specific instructions before kyphoplasty, which may include:

• Stop taking certain medications, like blood thinners, a few days before the procedure
• Inform your doctor about any medications or supplements you’re using
• Avoid eating or drinking after midnight the night before if instructed
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of the procedure
• Arrange for someone to drive you home because you’ll be under sedation

Make sure to ask any last-minute questions to feel prepared and comfortable before the procedure.

What happens during kyphoplasty?

You stay awake but comfortable with light sedation during kyphoplasty. Your provider starts by numbing the area around the fracture so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Once you’re numb, they make a tiny incision in your back and guide a thin, hollow tube to the collapsed vertebra.

Using X-ray imaging for accuracy, the provider inserts a small balloon through the tube and inflates it. This raises the vertebra and creates space. After the balloon is removed, they inject a special medical cement into the space to stabilize the bone.

The whole procedure usually takes about an hour. Afterward, you rest for a short time while the sedation wears off. You may feel some soreness around the injection site, but most people can get back to light activity within a day or two. 

If you have a compression fracture, call Premier Injury Providers or schedule an appointment online to see if you’re a candidate for kyphoplasty.