At Southern Interventional Pain Center, we understand that living with back pain can significantly affect your daily life, making even simple tasks challenging. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can help patients suffering from painful, fractured vertebrae due to conditions like osteoporosis. This blog post provides a detailed overview of kyphoplasty, including how it works, who it benefits, and what to expect during and after the procedure.
What is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at stabilizing a fractured vertebra and relieving back pain caused by vertebral compression fractures. It involves the insertion of a balloon into the vertebra, which is then inflated to create space. This space is then filled with a special cement to restore the vertebra’s height and relieve pain.
Benefits of Kyphoplasty
- Pain Relief: Many patients report immediate pain relief after the procedure.
- Improved Mobility: Restoring the spine’s normal height helps improve mobility and decreases deformity.
- Quick Procedure and Recovery: The procedure typically takes less than an hour per vertebra and is usually performed on an outpatient basis.
- Minimal Invasiveness: Kyphoplasty requires only a small incision, reducing the risk of complications and shortening recovery time.
Q&A Section
Q1: Who is a good candidate for kyphoplasty?
A1: Ideal candidates for kyphoplasty are those experiencing painful symptoms from recent, osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. It is less effective for old fractures or those that have already healed.
Q2: How do I prepare for kyphoplasty?
A2: Preparation typically involves a physical examination, medical history review, and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to confirm the presence of vertebral fractures. Patients may need to stop taking certain medications before the procedure and should not eat or drink anything for several hours beforehand.
Q3: What happens during a kyphoplasty procedure?
A3: During kyphoplasty, you will lie on your stomach. The area where the needle will be inserted is sterilized and numbed. A hollow needle is then inserted into the fractured vertebra under X-ray guidance. A balloon is passed through the needle and carefully inflated to elevate the fracture and restore height. The balloon is removed, and the space created is filled with bone cement.
Q4: What are the risks of kyphoplasty?
A4: While kyphoplasty is generally safe, risks include infection, bleeding, increased back pain, numbness, tingling, cement leaking out of the vertebra, and rarely, paralysis.
Q5: What should I expect after undergoing kyphoplasty?
A5: Post-procedure, patients often notice immediate pain relief. Most can return to their normal activities within 24 to 48 hours, though heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for at least six weeks. Follow-up visits are necessary to monitor recovery.
Q6: How effective is kyphoplasty in treating pain and vertebral fractures?
A6: Studies have shown that kyphoplasty can effectively reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients with acute vertebral fractures. It also helps in stabilizing the bone and preventing further collapse.
Conclusion
Kyphoplasty offers a promising option for those suffering from painful vertebral fractures. At Southern Interventional Pain Center, our team is dedicated to providing you with a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. If you’re struggling with back pain, contact us today to see if kyphoplasty could be right for you.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call Southern Interventional Pain Center directly. Our experts are here to help you regain your quality of life and manage your pain effectively.