Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a nonsurgical, minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat one or more fractured spinal bones (vertebrae) that are painful. In this treatment, a small balloon is inflated in the inside of the damaged vertebra to restore its shape and a special type of cement is then injected into the bone to stabilize it. To access the vertebrae, the physician makes 2 small nicks in the back and inserts 2 special tubes, followed by the collapsed balloon. Patients may receive local or general anesthesia.

WHEN IS IT INDICATED?

Kyphoplasty may be indicated for patients with:

Painful vertebral compression fractures;
Spinal tumors; and
Osteoporosis.

PRE-PROCEDURE GUIDELINES

It is important that the patient tell the physician about any prescription or over-the-counter medications being taken, as well as any herbal supplements. The patient must share any allergies he or she may have to any medications, especially if to iodine or contrast material. Most of the time, patients will be asked to refrain from eating in the 6 hours prior to kyphoplasty.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Patients who have vertebral compression fractures are eligible for kyphoplasty; this procedure does not help other spinal conditions that can cause back pain (such as arthritis or herniated disc).

WHAT TO EXPECT

Prior to the procedure, intravenous antibiotics and a sedative are given to the patient who lies facedown so that the physician can access his or her back. The skin and muscles near the vertebra(e) are numbed with a local anesthetic. The physician then makes a small incision in the back and inserts a hollow instrument called a trocar into the fractured vertebra. A small balloon is guided through the trocar and into the vertebra. The physician inflates the balloon, which pushes the collapsed vertebra back to its normal height and shape. Once this occurs, the physician deflates the balloon, leaving an empty space in the vertebra. He or she then injects medical-grade, orthopedic (bone) cement into this space to stabilize the bone.

POST-PROCEDURE GUIDELINES

The patient will be instructed to lie flat on his or her stomach for 1 to 2 hours to ensure that the cement has hardened. At that point, most patients are able to stand and walk with little or no pain and can then return home. Bed rest is recommended for the first 24 hours.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Complications of kyphoplasty can include:

Cement leakage;
Infection;
Fever;
Bleeding;
Increased back pain;
Nerve irritation;
Fracture of another vertebra or ribs; and
Paralysis (rare).

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