Kyphoplasty

About 1.5 million Americans experience compression fractures of the spine every year. At Pain Medicine of the South in Knoxville, Tennessee, the team of spine pain specialists offers kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure to restore the height and shape of the fractured vertebrae. Kyphoplasty can offer permanent pain relief and a return to the activities you enjoy. Schedule your appointment online or call the office to book a consultation now.

What is kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that restores the height and shape of a fractured spinal vertebrae. 

The procedure involves the insertion and inflation of a tiny balloon, which restores the damaged vertebrae to its normal position and shape. Then, surgical cement restores the vertebrae permanently. 

When is kyphoplasty needed?

You may need kyphoplasty if you have fractures in the vertebrae (vertebral compression fractures). Such fractures can weaken the bone significantly, causing the bone to lose height (compress) or collapse, leading to:

• Severe back pain
• Restricted movement
• Worsening pain as you move

Untreated vertebral compression fractures can also cause spinal deformity (kyphosis or dowager’s hump) in which the back looks rounded or hunched. 

The most common reason for vertebral compression fractures is osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones grow fragile and thin over the years. But some other conditions, including cancer, can lead to bone weakening and compression fractures that could require kyphoplasty.

What is the kyphoplasty process?

Kyphoplasty may require either general anesthesia that puts you to sleep or local anesthesia plus sedation that keeps you awake but you’re relaxed without pain. 

During the procedure, your Pain Medicine of the South doctor uses fluoroscopy, an X-ray imaging technique that generates real-time pictures of your spine. This helps them to precisely target the vertebrae during the procedure. 

To perform the kyphoplasty, your surgeon inserts a trocar — a thin hollow needle — in your skin just above the painful vertebrae. They place a tiny balloon through the needle and then gradually inflate it to bring the vertebrae to its ideal shape and height.

Then, your doctor removes the balloon and injects surgical cement to keep the vertebrae in the normal shape permanently.  

The cement quickly sets in place — usually in just 20 minutes — and your provider completes the procedure by removing the needle. Since it’s a small puncture rather than an incision, you don’t need stitches. 

What is recovery like after kyphoplasty?

After your procedure, you receive discharge instructions to help you navigate recovery. You can generally drive and return to most normal activities the next day or whenever you feel ready. 

Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 4-6 weeks (or as specified by your doctor). Most people are back to enjoying their regular activities in just days without pain or stiffness. 

To learn more about kyphoplasty, call Pain Medicine of the South or book your consultation online now.