Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to treat spinal compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis, tumors, or trauma. The primary goal of kyphoplasty is to stabilize the fractured vertebra, restore its height, and alleviate pain associated with the compression fracture. It is particularly beneficial for patients experiencing severe, debilitating pain that has not responded to conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy.
The procedure involves inserting a small balloon into the fractured vertebra through a thin, hollow tube. The balloon is then carefully inflated to create a cavity and restore the vertebra’s height. Once the desired height is achieved, the balloon is deflated and removed, and the cavity is filled with a special bone cement, called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). This cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the vertebra and preventing further collapse. The entire procedure is typically performed under local or general anesthesia and takes about one to two hours, depending on the number of vertebrae being treated.
Kyphoplasty offers several advantages, including immediate pain relief, reduced disability, and quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, with improved mobility and quality of life. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks, such as infection, bleeding, or leakage of the bone cement. Therefore, kyphoplasty is generally recommended for patients who have not responded to non-surgical treatments and have vertebral compression fractures causing significant pain and loss of function.
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