The Kyphoplasty procedure is done to alleviate the pain arising due to spinal compression fractures, to support the bone and to bring back significant lost spinal body height due to compression fracture
Performing Kyphoplasty Surgery
The Kyphoplasty surgery is carried out by making a very minimal incision in the back by the means of which the physician places a slim tube under the guidance of fluoroscopy so that the tube can reach the fractured part of the spinal disc cutting through the skin into the bone
With the guidance of an X-ray images the physician injects a specialized balloon with the help of a tube and delicately blow up the balloon. As the balloon enlarges, it raises the broken pieces of the fracture bone, restoring it to the correct position, also the balloon tightens the soft inner bone to produce a gap in the spine. The balloon is taken out by the physician using a specialized tool exerting a small amount of stress and fill up the cavity with a cement resembling substance. The material hardens soon after supporting the bone. The procedure usually takes an hour to be completed for each disc. The procedure is less complicated and need patient to stay one day at the hospital. The Kyphoplasty is generally works best for the patients undergoing fractures from osteoarthritis
Recovery
For some patients the pain can be easily and instantly eliminated, however, some patients experience relief within a day or two. Soon after the therapy the patients can return to their routinely activities, though heavy exercises and weight lifting should be avoided for a period of two months.
Candidates for Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty does not give permanent relief from certain abnormalities of the spinal column, and certain patients with osteoporosis are not recommended for Kyphoplasty
Risks and Complications of Kyphoplasty
As with the invasive procedure, there are some risks attached that may generally include reactions from anesthesia and infections. Other risks that are particularly associated with Kyphoplasty treatment may be;
- Nerve damage or a spinal cord injury from wrongly inserted instruments placed in the back
- Nerve injury or spinal cord compression from leaking of the cement into veins or epidural space
- Allergic reaction to the solution used to see the balloon on the X-ray image as it inflates
Patients suffering from Osteoporosis are certainly at risks of more fractures with the procedure due to weakened bones from Osteopororsis.