The Procedure
The goal of this procedure is to reduce or eliminate the pain caused by the compression fracture, to stabilize the bone, and to restore lost vertebral body height due to the fracture, thus reducing deformity of the spine.
A small incision is made in the back through which the doctor places a narrow tube. Using fluoroscopy to guide it to the correct position, the tube creates a path through the back into the fractured area through the pedicle of the involved vertebrae. A special balloon is inserted and gently inflated inside the fractured vertebrae. As the balloon inflates, it elevates the fracture, returning the pieces to a more normal position. It also compacts the soft inner bone to create a cavity inside the vertebrae.When proper height and alignment have been acheived, the balloon is removed and the doctor uses specially designed instruments under low pressure to fill the cavity with a biologically inert, cement-like material injected directly into the fractured bone. After being injected, the pasty material hardens quickly, stabilizing the bone.

Kyphoplasty is performed at a hospital under local or general anesthesia. The procedure takes about one hour for each vertebrae involved. Patients will be observed closely in the recovery room immediately following the procedure and occasionally may spend one day in the hospital Patients should not drive until they are given approval by their doctor. If they are released the day of the surgery, they will need to arrange for transportation home from the hospital

Recovery
Pain relief will be immediate for some patients. In others, elimination or reduction of pain is reported within two days. At home, patients can return to their normal daily activities, although strenuous exertion, such as heavy lifting, should be avoided for at least six weeks.

Patients should see their physician to begin or review their treatment plan for osteoporosis, including medications to prevent further bone loss.

Risks and Complications
Some general surgical risks apply to kyphoplasty, including a reaction to anesthesia and infection. Other risks that are specific to this procedure include:

  Nerve damage or a spinal cord injury from malpositioned instruments placed in the back
  Nerve injury or spinal cord compression from leaking of the PMMA into veins or epidural space
  Allergic reaction to the solution used to see the balloon on the x-ray image as it inflates

What is an osteoporotic fracture?
Osteoporosis is a chronic, progressive disease. The loss of calcium from bones results in weakened bone structure and increases the risk of fracture of the vertebral body. In this type of fracture, the top of the vertebral body collapses down with more collapse in front thus producing the "wedged" vertebrae, the "dowagers" hump and shortened height.

The resulting change in height and spinal alignment can lead to serious health problems, including:

  Chronic or severe pain
  Limited function and reduced mobility
  Loss of independence in daily activities
  Decreased lung capacity
  Difficulty sleeping