What Is a Kyphoplasty?

KyphoplastyWhen we have a problem with one or more of our vertebrae, it can be an issue that affects our life on a large scale. For many people, it limits their ability to live life to the full and it can even stop them from earning a living or being a productive part of the family. Unfortunately, spinal fractures occur on a regular basis but there is help through a type of procedure that is known as a kyphoplasty. This type of procedure may be able to help fix the bone and get you back on your feet again.

Kyphoplasty is often performed when a spinal fracture occurs. It is not only able to help correct the issue by strengthening the vertebrae and making any repairs that are necessary, it can also stabilize the bone. In addition, when you experience a fracture of the vertebrae, it may compress to a certain extent and that can cause additional problems, perhaps pinching the nerve or damaging nearby tissue. The kyphoplasty may be able to help restore the height of the vertebrae that was lost due to the compression fracture.

Kyphoplasty surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery, so it is going to be less of a problem than a full surgical procedure. Not only are you likely to experience fewer difficulties with pain, the recovery time may be greatly improved as well. In many cases, minimally invasive surgery is also beneficial because it reduces the possibility that you will experience a postoperative infection. When you have a kyphoplasty surgery, a small incision is made in the back and a narrow tube will be inserted. It is guided to the proper position using fluoroscopy so that it is able to access the fractured part of the vertebrae.

A balloon is going to be inserted through the tube with the use of x-ray images. Once it is positioned properly, the balloon will be inflated. Doing so inside of a fractured area will help to elevate the fracture and return the pieces to a position that is closer to where it should be. The soft inner bone is also compacted during the time that the balloon is inflated to create a cavity that will be used in the following step.

After the balloon is inflated, it will be deflated and removed from the area. At that point, the doctor will use the tube to direct a type of material that is similar to cement to fill the cavity that was left by the balloon. It hardens quickly, so the bone is stabilized. Typically, this procedure will only take about an hour for each vertebrae and the patients will be observed in the recovery room carefully. It may require a stay in the hospital for one day.