Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive way to treat compression fractures in the spine and ease the back pain that comes from those fractures.

Conditions like osteoporosis and some kinds of cancer can weaken the vertebrae so much that they can no longer bear the body’s weight. They develop cracks and begin to crumble. This can cause kyphosis — curvature of the spine that makes a person hunch forward. When the vertebrae lose their shape, nerves can become pinched, causing pain, breathing can become restricted, and the function of some internal organs might be limited.

In a kyphoplasty procedure, a doctor inserts a small balloon into a fractured vertebra and inflates it to expand the vertebra into a more natural shape. The doctor then fills the cavity with a special bone cement to stabilize the spine and prevent additional collapse. This procedure is similar to a vertebroplasty, which also involves injecting a special cement into a damaged vertebra, but does not use a balloon to change the shape of the bone.

The main goals of the kyphoplasty procedure are:

• Pain relief. Kyphoplasty can reduce pain from spinal compression fractures.
• Restoring vertebral height. Inflating a balloon to enlarge a compressed vertebra helps restore it to a natural height, which can improve spinal alignment and posture.
• Stabilizing the spine. Strengthening the spine stops it from further collapsing, which helps to maintain spinal stability.
• Mobility enhancement. Reducing pain and stabilizing the spine might make it easier for patients to resume daily activities.

Who is a candidate for kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a treatment option for people suffering from a number of common spinal problems:

• Osteoporotic fractures. Osteoporosis weakens bone health and can lead to compression fractures and spinal deformity.
• Compression fractures. As we age, the risk of spinal fractures due to bone density loss, falls, and other problems increase.
• Spinal tumors. Certain cancerous tumors can cause significant discomfort, instability, and increased fracture risk.

Suitable candidates for kyphoplasty are those who have ongoing back discomfort, loss of height, or mobility problems. Other signs, like a hunched posture or sudden sharp back pain after a minor strain, could also indicate a spinal compression fracture that might improve with kyphoplasty.

The kyphoplasty procedure

The pre-procedure and preparation phase of a kyphoplasty involves imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to confirm that you have a spinal compression fracture. Your doctor will also perform a thorough physical examination and speak to you about your medical history and any medications you’re taking. You might receive instructions to alter your medication schedule for a certain period of time.

The complexity of the vertebral fracture determines the time required for a kyphoplasty, which ranges from 30 to 60 minutes for each treated vertebra. Here are the typical steps in this outpatient procedure:

• The patient lies face-down on the surgical table and receives local anesthesia, a sedative or general anesthesia.
• The surgeon inserts a specialized needle through the skin into the broken vertebra. Fluoroscopy equipment, which uses low-powered X-ray imaging, provides real-time, moving images so the doctor can see where the needle is going.
• When the needle is in the right place, the surgeon pushes a tiny balloon through it and into the vertebra and then inflates the balloon. In some cases, a small titanium implant is used instead of a balloon.
• The surgeon pulls the balloon out of the bone and then injects bone cement into the vertebral body.
• Still using fluoroscopy for guidance, the surgeon carefully withdraws the needle and verifies the proper placement of the cement. With this non-invasive procedure, no stitches are needed.

Post-procedure monitoring and recovery

The doctor will monitor the patient for a brief period to ensure no complications arise. Pain at the injection site, if any, is usually mild and goes away within a day or two.

Medical providers will give post-procedure instructions to each patient. In general, however, surgeons will cover the surgical site with a bandage. You’ll need to wear it for at least two days. Your doctor may suggest taking short showers rather than long baths for several weeks. Always let your doctor know if you notice any swelling or chronic pain.

You’ll go home the same day because kyphoplasty is an outpatient procedure. Most patients are told they can resume normal activities immediately. In most cases, patients report feeling better right away, allowing them to go back to mild activities the very next day. Just be careful to avoid overly strenuous activities for the first week or two. This will give the affected bones time to fully heal.

To achieve additional relief after a kyphoplasty, some physicians may recommend non-surgical options like lifestyle changes, physical therapy, bracing, or pain management injections.

You will go in for a follow-up appointment about two to four weeks after the operation. Your doctor probably won’t perform any more imaging unless you report new or worsening pain.

Benefits and risks

On average, patients report a reduction in pain from “9 out of 10” to “3 out of 10” after undergoing kyphoplasty. It offers an effective way to fix compression fractures in the spine with a short recovery time.

Some patients require additional kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty treatments to alleviate pain or restore stability. Potential risks may include:

• Some patients experience swelling, fever, or skin color changes due to infection.
• Cement leakage. The cement injected into the bone may leak out. However, fluoroscopic guidance greatly minimizes this risk.
• Nerve damage. Bone cement can leak out near the nerve root, causing intense discomfort, especially if it reaches the spinal canal and affects neurological function.

If you experience any of the complications listed above, call your doctor immediately.

Is a kyphoplasty right for you?

More than 19,000 kyphoplasty procedures take place each year in the United States. If you have a spinal fracture or want posture improvement, you should schedule a medical consultation to ensure you get a correct diagnosis and treatment. Pain relief is available through a variety of procedures.

The Interventional Pain Management Team at Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health specializes in helping patients with compression fractures and other spinal conditions. We offer treatments like kyphoplasty, vertebroplasty, and pain management injections along with tailored physical therapy to ensure personalized and effective pain relief.

About Dr. Spencer

Dr. Andrew Spencer specializes in Interventional Pain Management and has a strong commitment to helping his patients achieve better mobility and comfort. He completed his Emergency Medicine Residency at the University of South Florida – Tampa General Hospital and his ACGME-accredited Interventional Spine and Pain fellowship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami.

Dr. Spencer specializes in advanced pain management techniques, including ultrasound and fluoroscopic-guided interventions. He customizes all of his treatment options to each patient to ensure the best patient outcomes possible. He also enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, exploring diverse cuisines, traveling, sports, and outdoor activities.

Contact Dr. Spencer today to schedule an appointment by calling (813) 977-6688.