Kyphoplasty

What is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a procedure which our Florida Surgery Consultants can perform. This is a process in which the neurosurgeon inserts and inflates a balloon to create an opening to inject cement after the balloon is removed. This is done to help relieve pain and improve mobility and other measures of bone functions.

This procedure is used to fix compression fractures that are in the vertebrae. There is a higher chance of patients whom are older to get compression fractures. It is estimated that over 40% of women over the age of 80 have this condition. Compression fractures can cause lots of pain and loss of height.

Kyphoplasty Procedure

During this procedure, you will lie on your stomach. The area in which the needle will be inserted will need to be shaved if necessary and then cleaned and sterilized. A local anesthetic will be injected into the same spot. These steps will be taken to complete the procedure.

1. The surgeon inserts a hollow needle into your skin, with the aid of fluoroscopy, a type of x-ray, they use to guide the needle through your muscles into the correct position into your bone.
2. They insert an inflatable balloon.
3. The balloon is inflated to create the space needed for the bone cement.
4. Once the space has opened up, the mixture is injected to fill it up. Image tests will be done, to confirm the cement has been distributed properly.
5. Once the cement is in place, the needle is removed.
6. The area is bandaged. No stitches will be necessary.
7. Your IV and monitoring equipment is removed.

Kyphoplasty Cement

Certainly! Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat vertebral compression fractures. One of the primary components used during this procedure is a specialized orthopedic cement, often referred to as “kyphoplasty cement” or “bone cement.”

Here’s a breakdown of the cement’s role in Kyphoplasty:

1. Purpose: The primary purpose of the cement is to stabilize the vertebral fracture and provide strength to the weakened or damaged vertebra.
2. Composition: This cement is usually composed of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or a similar material. It’s designed to quickly harden upon injection, ensuring the stability of the vertebra.
3. Procedure:
   • First, a small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated. This step helps to restore the height of the compressed vertebra and create a cavity.
   • Once the balloon is deflated and removed, the created cavity is filled with the bone cement.
   • The cement quickly hardens, stabilizing the vertebral fracture and alleviating pain.
4. Benefits:
   • The cement provides immediate stability to the fractured vertebra.
   • It aids in pain reduction, as the stabilized bone doesn’t move and irritate surrounding tissues.
   • The procedure’s minimally invasive nature, combined with the cement’s rapid hardening, often allows patients to return to their normal activities relatively quickly.
5. Considerations: While kyphoplasty and the use of bone cement are generally considered safe, as with any procedure, there are potential risks. These might include cement leakage, allergic reactions, or infection. However, with expert guidance and proper technique, these risks are minimized.

In essence, the kyphoplasty cement is an integral part of the procedure, providing immediate structural support to the treated vertebra and playing a pivotal role in patient recovery.

Why you should get Kyphoplasty Procedure

Kyphoplasty Surgery is a leading-edge procedure tailored for individuals suffering from vertebral compression fractures, often resulting from osteoporosis or spinal tumors. As these fractures can cause severe pain, decreased mobility, and a hunched posture, Kyphoplasty steps in as a beacon of hope. What sets this surgery apart is its dual-purpose approach: not only does it effectively alleviate pain, but it also aims to restore the lost vertebral height. Executed through a minimally invasive technique, Kyphoplasty involves the insertion of a balloon into the compressed vertebra, which, when inflated, restores the vertebral height. Subsequently, the space is filled with a specialized bone cement, ensuring stability. The benefits of opting for Kyphoplasty are manifold: quicker recovery, reduced hospitalization time, and a substantial reduction in pain post-procedure. For those seeking an efficient solution to vertebral compression fractures, Kyphoplasty Surgery emerges as a highly recommended and reliable choice, enabling patients to regain an improved quality of life.

What To Expect During Kyphoplasty Recovery

This procedure should take about an hour to complete and then you will head to recovery. Some soreness is expected, however, you will be asked to walk around and be engaged after your procedure. You will most likely be able to go home later that day. The only reason you would be kept overnight for monitoring is if, there were any complications or if your health was questionable. You will be asked to schedule a follow up appointment with us so we can make sure you are feeling great and healing just as you should.

Learn more about Kyphoplasty recovery.