What is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used in the treatment of spinal compression fractures. The main aim of the procedure is to minimize the pain, stabilize the spinal vertebrae and restore the vertebral body height that has been reduced due to the spinal compression fracture.
Spinal compression fractures may occur in the thoracic or lumbar region of the spine as a result of weakened bones in conditions like osteoporosis or spinal trauma. Initial treatment of spinal compression fractures may include bed rest, bracing and pain relief medications. Patients who fail to respond to these treatments are indicated for surgical treatments such as Kyphoplasty.
Indications
The following conditions are indicated for treatment with Kyphoplasty:
- Spinal fractures due to weakened and brittle bones (osteoporosis).
- Traumatic spinal decompression fractures (falling down, car accidents etc).
- Collapse of vertebral bones due to weakened bones in spinal infections.
- Back pain due to spinal compression fractures.
- Spinal compression fractures causing nerve impingement.
- Increasing pain while walking, standing and decreased range of motion in the spine
Patient preparation
Patients undergoing kyphoplasty procedure are advised to follow some instructions before the procedure. They include:
- Reduction of alcohol intake or tobacco usage as it may compromise bone healing.
- Some medications like pain killers and blood thinners are advised to be stopped temporarily for about one week before the procedure to prevent complications like excessive bleeding.
- Eating or drinking is advised to be avoided 6 hours before the surgery. Sips of water can be taken if any medications are prescribed before the surgery.
Kyphoplasty procedure
The patient is made to lie down with the face towards the operating table. The procedure may be carried out under local or general anaesthesia which is decided by the surgeon, based on the condition. A small incision of about half an inch is made on the back in the affected region. A narrow tube is then inserted through this incision with X-ray fluoroscopic guidance, enabling a proper path through the pedicle of the targeted vertebrae.
Next, a balloon tamp is inserted through the tube into the vertebrae and is carefully inflated, creating a cavity (empty space) in the vertebrae. The balloon is then deflated and removed from the cavity and the space is filled with bone cement which hardens quickly. This helps to restore the vertebral height back to normal. The kyphoplasty procedure may take about one hour for each vertebrae.
Post-operative patient care
Most people may resume their daily routine activities after surgery, although strenuous exercises must be avoided for a minimum period of 6 weeks after surgery. Patients are closely monitored after the surgery and some patients may be required to stay in the hospital for one day. Based on the doctor’s instructions, patients may be able to walk, an hour after the surgical procedure has been completed.
Recovery
Some patients may experience immediate pain relief and some may experience reduction of pain within 2 days of the surgery. Patients are advised to consult their doctor about any specifically restricted activities based on their condition.
A mild soreness may be felt in the area of surgery, however it disappears within few days. The doctor may prescribe some bone strengthening medications to prevent further fractures due to bone loss.
