Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that eases pain caused by vertebral fractures. At Vascular & Interventional Specialists, the knowledgeable board-certified physicians can offer a solution to patients struggling with back pain and fracture-related problems. Call the Fort Worth, Texas, office now or arrange a consultation online.

What is kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is an interventional procedure that restores the height of fractured and collapsed vertebrae (spinal bones). It can relieve pain, correct deformity, and potentially reduce the risk of future vertebral fractures. 

Who might need kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty treats acute and sub-acute compression fractures that cause pain, instability, and collapse. Many people with vertebral compression fractures experience severe back pain, and kyphoplasty can be the ideal solution.

Vertebral compression fractures are usually related to osteoporosis, a disorder of low bone density affecting many people as they age.

Other causes, like trauma from auto accidents and spinal tumors, can also lead to vertebral fractures. 

It’s always easier to treat vertebral fractures early. If you wait too long to seek treatment, some treatment options may no longer be available to you.

What is the kyphoplasty process?

You receive moderate sedation and a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the procedure.

Kyphoplasty starts with a small incision (less than a half-inch long). It’s sometimes called balloon kyphoplasty because it involves guiding a deflated balloon into a collapsed vertebra. Your doctor then inflates the balloon, restoring some of the lost vertebral height.

Next, medical cement is injected into the empty space. This keeps the vertebrae at its corrected height and stabilizes the fracture ultimately relieving pain. 

Some people have vertebral fractures at several levels of their spine, so your doctor might have to treat more than one fracture at a time.

Kyphoplasty is an outpatient procedure, meaning you return home the same day. Most patients are observed for about two hours after the procedure and are able to walk themselves to their car. Although, because of the sedation, you'll need a driver. 

When will I feel better after kyphoplasty?

Complete recovery can take 4-6 weeks, but most people experience pain relief quickly, often within a day or two.

You can typically return to work the next day. It’s common to experience a significant improvement in general mobility since back pain holds many people back from their favorite activities.

Call the Vascular & Interventional Specialists office now or click the online scheduling feature to see if we can help you.