Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive percutaneous procedure performed under local or general anaesthesia to inject special cement into the vertebrae by creating space for the treatment with a balloon-like device. It is a type of Vertebral Augmentation for Compression Fractures.

Goals of Kyphoplasty

• Stop or reduce the pain caused by a spinal fracture
• Stabilize the bone and prevent further collapse of the fracture
• Restore some or all of the lost vertebral body height due to the compression fracture
• Restore normal spinal alignment, thus improving the patient’s posture

Indications for Kyphoplasty Surgery

• Cancer-damaged vertebrae
• Certain spinal fractures
• Compress or collapse vertebrae
• Recent osteoporotic compression fractures
• Vertebral compression fractures due to other diseases that have weakened spine like:
  • Multiple Myeloma
  • Lymphoma
  • Kidney disease
  • Metastatic carcinoma

Procedure of Kyphoplasty

The procedure is performed through a small incision made in the back to allow entry of a narrow tube. Fluoroscopy guides the tube to reach the correct position and create a path into the fractured area. With the help of X-ray images, surgeon inserts a special balloon through the tube and into the vertebrae. The balloon is gently and carefully inflated to elevate the fracture and return the pieces to a more normal position. It also compacts the soft inner bone to create a cavity inside the vertebrae. Now the balloon is removed and cavity is filled with cement-like material called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) that hardens quickly and stabilizes the bone.

The procedure takes about half an hour to 45 minutes for each vertebra.

Recovery from Kyphoplasty

Patient experience immediate pain relief and can return to their normal daily activities within days after surgery. But strenuous exertion, such as heavy lifting, should be avoided for at least six weeks. Regular follow up with the surgeon should be done to review treatment plan for osteoporosis, including medications to prevent further bone loss.