Kyphoplasty is only for pain related to a recent vertebral fracture, not other back problems, such
as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or arthritis affecting the back. It cannot treat old or chronic
fractures of the spine, and those living with severe osteoporosis are not candidates for this treatment.
Kyphoplasty cannot correct an established deformity of the spine, such as scoliosis, nor does it reduce
any back pain associated with stooping forward or poor posture. It is also not a treatment option for
younger patients and those whose compression fracture occurred through trauma or injury.
For those who sustained a vertebral compression fracture, the cause of your fracture will determine
the entirety of your treatment plan. You will undergo kyphoplasty surgery in conjunction with treatments
meant to prevent repeat fractures. Those whose fractures resulted from osteoporosis, metastatic tumors,
multiple myeloma, or vertebral hemangioma will also undergo treatment for that underlying medical
condition.
Conditions treated
- Vertebral compression fracture
- Spinal fractures
Benefits of Kyphoplasty
- Reduces pain from fracture
- Stabilizes vertebrae
- Restores vertebra to former height
- Increase in back’s functional ability and mobility
Procedure
Before your Kyphoplasty Gilbert pain experts at The Pain Experts of Arizona may ask you to stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), immunosuppressant medication, and blood thinners to reduce your risk of serious complications
or infections. If you are pregnant or suspect you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about alternative
treatment options. Your healthcare professional may ask you not to eat or drink several hours before the
procedure. This procedure cannot be performed if the patient has an active infection or symptoms of a
cold, flu, or similar malady. If you experience these symptoms on the day of the procedure, you will
need to reschedule your implant.
During the kyphoplasty, you will lie face down on the table before the medical professional
performing the procedure administers anesthesia. Depending on your comfort level and pain tolerance, you
may receive general anesthesia delivered via an IV or just a local anesthetic. After the anesthesia
takes effect, the healthcare provider will make a small incision in your back before placing a narrow
tube into it. Guided by a continuous x-ray, they will insert a medical balloon through the tube into the
vertebrae. They will slowly and gently inflate the balloon, which will elevate the fractured vertebrae
back into their correct position. Once the vertebrae are correctly positioned, the healthcare provider
will remove the balloon before filling the space with a cement-like material called
polymethylmethacrylate. This cement stabilizes and reinforces your bone to provide pain relief and
protect against future fractures.
This procedure takes about one hour per fractured vertebrae. Once the healthcare provider completes
the kyphoplasty, you will remain in an observation room to ensure no immediate allergies or other
reactions occur. Your healthcare professional may ask you to stay in the hospital overnight, but most
patients can return home the same day as their procedure.
Recovery after Kyphoplasty
You cannot drive after your surgery, nor can you for several days to weeks after it. Your medical
professional will provide you with specific instructions on when you can return to driving and other
activities. You should avoid strenuous exertion for at least six weeks after your kyphoplasty. You may
feel soreness or pain at the incision site, but this will dissipate over the next two to three days. Do
not consume any alcohol after your surgery, as this thins your blood and increases the risk of bleeding.
Alcohol may increase the likelihood of overdosing on pain medicine.
You may feel pain relief immediately after the surgery, but some patients do not report a decrease
in pain for several days. The sooner this procedure is performed after a vertebral compression fracture
occurs, the more effective it will be in providing long-term pain relief.
Risk
Luckily, for our patients in Gilbert Kyphoplasty is a surgery with a very low chance of suffering any severe complications. As with any
medical procedure, there always remains the risk of complications. Common risks include:
- Allergic reaction to the balloon, cement, and anesthesia
- Infection, bleeding, or bruising at the incision site
- Blood clot
- Sustaining nerve damage or a spinal cord injury from mistakes made during surgery
- Sustaining a nerve injury or spinal cord compression from loose cement entering your veins or
epidural space
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness caused by nerve damage
- Increased back pain
Those living with osteoporosis may be at risk for sustaining additional fractures during the
procedure. Your doctor will discuss this risk and any preventative measures before operating.
