What Is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a procedure that treats compression fractures in your spine. Bone cement is added to the affected area to help relieve pain.
Compression fractures are breaks in the vertebrae, the bones in your back that make up your spine. These breaks cause your vertebrae to collapse together. When this happens, the vertebrae can put pressure on nerves and the spinal cord, causing pain and making it harder to move. It can also cause a curve in your spine called kyphosis.
Kyphoplasty vs. vertebroplasty
A kyphoplasty involves a special X-ray that allows the surgeon to target specific areas. The surgeon uses a small balloon to create space between the vertebrae, and then adds bone cement.
A vertebroplasty is done the same way as a kyphoplasty but does not involve using a balloon to correct the collapsed vertebrae. Guided by X-ray imaging, the surgeon will inject bone cement into the vertebrae, without inserting and inflating a balloon first.
Reasons to Get Kyphoplasty
If you have back pain that keeps getting worse, you might have a compression fracture. This could make it harder to move and do the things you normally would.
Most compression fractures are the result of osteoporosis, the normal weakening of your bones with aging. Cancer can also damage your vertebrae or cause spinal fractures. Imaging tests can help find out what the problem is. If you do have a compression fracture, then you may be a good candidate for a kyphoplasty.
But if your back pain is caused by something else, such as a herniated disk, arthritis, or spinal narrowing (stenosis), then a kyphoplasty probably isn't the right procedure for you.
Talk to your doctor about what’s causing your back pain and whether a kyphoplasty could help.
Before the Kyphoplasty Procedure
You'll have an appointment with your doctor before your kyphoplasty. This gives your doctor a chance to run tests and learn more about your overall health. Your doctor may do a physical exam and order blood tests and imaging tests, such as an X-ray of your spine, a computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will want to know of your recent illnesses, allergies, or medications that you take.
During this appointment, your surgery will be scheduled. You'll also get instructions to follow before the procedure. For example, you may need to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners. Your surgeon might prescribe medications to take before your surgery. You may be told not to eat or drink for several hours before surgery. If you smoke, your doctor may ask you to stop smoking or smoke less.
During the Kyphoplasty Procedure
Before your surgery, you’ll receive local anesthesia and sedation. Sometimes, stronger general anesthesia is used.
During the procedure, you'll be lying face-down on your stomach. The surgeon uses a hollow needle to make a small puncture through the skin in your back to reach the broken vertebrae. A special type of X-ray called a fluoroscopy helps the surgeon guide the needle into place.
Next, a small balloon is inserted through the needle. The balloon is then inflated. This helps to add space between vertebrae that have collapsed into each other. This space is where the surgeon injects bone cement.
The balloon is removed. Then, the surgeon injects bone cement into the area to stabilize the vertebrae and relieve pain.
How Long Does a Kyphoplasty Take?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure. It takes about one hour for surgeons to treat one section of the spine. You may need to stay in a recovery area at the hospital or outpatient facility for two to three hours after your surgery. You’ll be able to go home the same day.
Does it hurt?
You'll be given local anesthesia and moderate sedation before having kyphoplasty. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
Most people don’t have general anesthesia for kyphoplasty. If your doctor does advise having general anesthesia, you'll be completely asleep.
Kyphoplasty Recovery
Most people go home the same day of a kyphoplasty treatment, but some people may need to stay overnight. Your doctor will talk to you about next steps once your anesthesia has worn off. Here's what else to know about recovering from kyphoplasty.
For the first hour after surgery, you'll probably need to lie on your back in a recovery area. This allows time for the cement to harden.
You might be able to walk around as soon as an hour after the procedure. Your back may feel a little sore where the needle entered. This should only last a few days at most.
To help strengthen your bones and prevent future injuries, your doctor might advise you to take vitamins, supplements, or certain medicines.
Kyphoplasty recovery time
You'll probably be able to do most of your regular activities as soon as you leave the hospital. But some movements and exercises may be off limits for a few weeks or more. Talk to your doctor about what's safe to do.
Kyphoplasty Benefits
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery and can be done in about an hour. Here are some other potential benefits of having kyphoplasty done:
- Some people feel less or no pain from compression fractures almost right after a kyphoplasty.
- Within two days, most people feel less back pain and can move more easily than before the surgery.
- Fractures in your vertebrae can cause the bones to collapse together, making you hunch over. This is called kyphosis. Kyphoplasty can help restore the height of damaged vertebrae and prevent kyphosis from happening.
- For most people, recovery from kyphoplasty is fast and easy. You probably won't need physical therapy or other rehabilitation services.
Kyphoplasty success rate
Kyphoplasty is successful in most people who have the procedure. One study found that 92% of people reported some pain relief after having kyphoplasty done.
Kyphoplasty Risks and Complications
It's rare to have complications from kyphoplasty, but there are risks to consider before you have the procedure done. Talk to your doctor about the potential risks and complications of kyphoplasty, such as:
- Infection from kyphoplasty is rare, but patients who are frail or have spinal arthritis may be at higher risk.
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage, which can cause tingling and numbness
- Back pain
- Allergic reactions, such as reactions to chemicals that are used with X-rays
- Bone cement can move to other areas of the body, leading to a blood clot in the lungs or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal cord).
When to See Your Doctor After a Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is considered very safe and low-risk. You should still be aware of potential problems as you're recovering from the procedure. If you notice any of the below symptoms, you should contact your doctor:
- Swelling, changes in skin color, or a fever could mean you have an infection.
- Be alert to excess bleeding where your kyphoplasty was done.
- Numbness or tingling could signal a problem.
- Don't ignore worsening pain.
Takeaways
Kyphoplasty is a procedure that treats compression fractures in your spine, which are usually caused by osteoporosis The procedure can relieve pain and create space between vertebrae to prevent a hunched posture. You'll be sedated under local anesthesia, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. Most people have pain relief and can get around better within 48 hours of having a kyphoplasty.
Kyphoplasty FAQs
How long does kyphoplasty last?
Kyphoplasty of one area of the spine usually takes an hour or less to complete.
Are you put to sleep for kyphoplasty?
You’ll be given local anesthesia and be sedated before having a kyphoplasty, similar to when having a colonoscopy.
What is the downside of kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty has some potential risks and complications, such as bone cement leaking to other areas of the body. Other potential risks are infection, bleeding, allergic reactions, and nerve damage. These risks are rare.
Who is not a candidate for kyphoplasty?
If your back pain is caused by something other than a compression fracture, such as a herniated disk or arthritis, then you may not be a candidate for kyphoplasty.
Do you have to lie flat after a kyphoplasty?
You will probably have to lie flat for an hour after having a kyphoplasty to allow time for the cement to harden. You should be able to resume most of your normal activities after that.
What should I not do after a kyphoplasty?
Your doctor may advise you not to do strenuous activities for up to several weeks after a kyphoplasty.
Do you have stitches after kyphoplasty?
The surgeon makes a small cut, so you won’t need stitches after a kyphoplasty.
Why am I in so much pain after kyphoplasty?
It's normal to feel some soreness near the injection site for a few days after a kyphoplasty. Contact your health care provider if your pain gets worse. It could be caused by bone cement leaking into the surrounding area and affecting the spinal cord or nerves.
