During Kyphoplasty, your doctor will use real-time X-ray technology to guide the procedure. This lets them see the needle, balloon tamp, and bone cement on the screen. This inflates the balloon, raising and reshaping the collapsed vertebra. The void or cavity is then filled with bone cement.
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Relieves Pain
The main section of each spine vertebra is called the vertebral body, and when this structure suffers a compression fracture, it becomes wedge-shaped. This shape angles the spine forward into a hunched-over position, so surgeons use a specialized technique called Kyphoplasty to help alleviate pain and correct this deformity. The procedure begins with a local anesthetic to numb the skin over the problem area. A needle is inserted into the vertebra, and a balloon-like device is inflated. This raises the collapsed vertebra and creates a void filled with bone cement. After the procedure, some back pain is normal, but most patients experience significant pain relief within 48 hours. Ice can be used in a 20-minute on, 20-minute off cycle to ease pain and swelling; over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can offer comfort.
Improves Posture
The main section of each spinal bone is a round structure called the vertebral body. When osteoporosis causes compression fractures, the front of these bones shorten and angle forward into a hunched-over posture known as kyphosis.
These fractures can worsen without treatment, causing more pain and a permanent stooped position. Kyphoplasty restores the height of the collapsed vertebrae, correcting the kyphotic curve and relieving back pain.
For this minimally invasive procedure, a surgeon or radiologist inserts a needle into the spine and uses it to locate the fractured bone. They then inject a special type of cement through the hand into the broken vertebral body, filling it and stiffening it to restore its original height and position.
Increases Flexibility
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that corrects compression fractures. These broken bones in the back often result from osteoporosis, a condition where the bones become fragile as you age. During this procedure, a doctor of kyphoplasty Jacksonville FL will insert a hollow trocar needle into the damaged vertebra. This is done using real-time X-ray technology, so your doctor can see where they are going with the hand and surgical tools. Next, they will inflate 1 or 2 balloon-like devices into the vertebra to partly restore its height. The balloons also open up space for the healthcare provider to inject a cement-like substance. This helps to improve spinal support function and reduce pain, and a person may need fewer pain relievers after the surgery.
Strengthens Muscles
A good chiropractor will work with patients to strengthen the muscles that support the spine. This helps prevent future fractures and improves back function, reducing pain and stiffness. The kyphoplasty procedure typically takes less than an hour to perform. However, the patient may need to stay in a recovery room for a few hours until the cement in the vertebra hardens. Before surgery, the surgeon will likely examine you and order blood and imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI scan to help them see the fractured bone better. You will need to fast for a few hours before the procedure. Then, you will be given medication to prevent nausea and an IV to provide you with fluids and pain medication.
Helps Prevent Future Fractures
Many patients experience a decrease in pain and mobility within hours of Kyphoplasty. They can often reduce their use of pain medications and return to most activities they did before the fracture(s). A thorough examination and X-ray or MRI scan are performed before surgery to ensure you’re a good candidate. Typically, the procedure is done soon after the fracture occurs, as results tend to be better when performed sooner rather than later. The procedure takes about an hour for each fractured vertebra to be treated. The surgeon uses a needle to enter the spine through a small hole in the skin. The needle is then inserted into the bone, guided by fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance). A balloon is then inflated, and bone cement is injected into the space the balloon creates.
