Kyphoplasty surgery is used to treat compression fractures of the spine. A compression fracture of the spine is when all or part of the spine bone collapses, causing bone fragments to rub against each other. A person with this type of fracture often suffers from debilitating back pain and decreased mobility. In severe cases, these fractures may also cause a hunched over appearance. Compression fractures are most commonly caused by a weakening of the bones due to osteoporosis, injury, or cancer treatment.
During Kyphoplasty surgery, the surgeon will use a hollow needle to insert a balloon into the patient's back. Once the balloon is in place, the surgeon inflates the balloon which then raises the compressed vertebrae to its appropriate height. The space created by the balloon is then filled with bone cement. This cement is able to strengthen the spine. Creating this space and strengthening the spine alleviates a patient’s pain. It also lessens the chance of future spinal fractures dramatically. This entire procedure can be repeated for all of the vertebrae affected.
Why choose Kyphoplasty surgery?
- Minimally Invasive
This procedure is usually performed as an outpatient surgery. Kyphoplasty is considered the least invasive, yet effective intervention. - High Success Rate
The surgery has an extremely high success rate, boasting satisfaction numbers as large as 96% in most studies.1 - Low Recovery Time
Most patients report feeling pain relief immediately following surgery, with a return to strenuous physical activity as early as six weeks post-procedure. - Rare Complications
This surgery is very low risk.
In order to determine if the patient has a significant compression fracture and would benefit from kyphoplasty, the doctor may need to order a bone scan or spinal x-ray. Once the doctor deems that the patient is indeed a candidate for kyphoplasty, time is of the essence to ensure the best possible outcome. This procedure works best when performed within eight weeks from when the compression fracture or fractures occur.
Dr. Bryan A. Fox and the team of experts at Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Center have the skills and experience needed to appropriately diagnose and plan patient treatment. The SMOC spine doctors are focused and committed to patient pain relief, increased mobility, and overall enhancement to quality of life. Book an appointment at SMOC today.
Dr. Bryan A. Fox is Board-Certified and fellowship-trained in spine surgery. He is an expert in surgical and non-surgical management of spinal conditions and has performed thousands of minimally invasive spinal surgeries and taught several cutting-edge spine surgery techniques. Dr. Fox offers a wealth of experience to the team at Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center located in Suffolk, Harbour View, and Chesapeake, Virginia.
