What Is Kyphoplasty?

Chronic spine pain can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. When vertebrae become fractured or compressed due to conditions like osteoporosis or trauma, the resulting pain can be debilitating and persistent. While conservative treatments may provide some relief, certain spinal conditions require more targeted interventions. Kyphoplasty represents one such advanced treatment option, offering patients a minimally invasive approach to address specific types of vertebral damage. Here’s more information on kyphoplasty procedures and how they stabilize the spine:

Table of Contents

What Is a Kyphoplasty Procedure?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to treat vertebral compression fractures and restore vertebral height. During this outpatient procedure, a surgeon inserts a small balloon-like device into the fractured vertebra through a narrow tube. The balloon is then carefully inflated to create a cavity within the damaged bone. This helps to restore the vertebra’s original height and shape.

Once the desired position is achieved, the balloon is removed, and the created space is filled with bone cement. This cement hardens quickly, providing structural support to the weakened vertebra and stabilizing the fracture. The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per vertebra and is performed under local or general anesthesia. The minimally invasive nature of kyphoplasty means that only small incisions are required. Minimally invasive methods help reduce tissue damage and recovery time compared to traditional open spine surgery.

What Are Kyphoplasties Used to Treat?

Kyphoplasty primarily treats vertebral compression fractures, which occur when the vertebral body collapses or becomes compressed. These fractures commonly result from osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to breaking. As bones lose density, even minor activities like coughing, sneezing, or lifting light objects can cause a vertebra to fracture.

Compression Fracture Causes

Compression fractures can also occur due to metastatic cancer, where cancer cells spread to the spine and weaken the vertebral structure. Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects bone marrow. This condition can also lead to vertebral compression fractures requiring kyphoplasty intervention.

Compression Fracture Symptoms

Patients with compression fractures often experience severe back pain that worsens with movement, along with potential height loss and spinal deformity. Some individuals may develop a hunched posture, known as kyphosis, which can affect breathing and digestion if left untreated. Kyphoplasty helps restore vertebral height, reduce spinal deformity, and provide immediate pain relief.

Who Is a Good Candidate For Kyphoplasty?

Ideal candidates for kyphoplasty typically have vertebral compression fractures that have not healed properly with conservative treatment. Patients experiencing persistent, severe back pain that interferes with daily activities may benefit from this procedure, particularly when the fracture is relatively recent and the vertebra has not completely collapsed.

Healthcare providers evaluate several factors when determining candidacy for kyphoplasty. Patients must have adequate bone quality to support the procedure, and the vertebral body should retain some height to allow for balloon insertion and expansion. Certain medical conditions may affect candidacy for kyphoplasty. Individuals with active infections, bleeding disorders, or severe spinal canal stenosis may not be suitable candidates. Patients with completely collapsed vertebrae or those whose fractures have already healed may require alternative treatment approaches.

Schedule a Consultation Today

If you are experiencing persistent back pain due to vertebral compression fractures, kyphoplasty may offer an effective solution to restore your quality of life. A thorough evaluation by a qualified spine specialist can determine whether this minimally invasive procedure is appropriate for your specific condition. Contact a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and explore treatment options today.