Kyphoplasty / Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures. It uses special balloons to inflate inside the collapsed / fractured spine and a bone bone cement is injected to correct spinal deformities and restore lost height. Because the procedure prevents bone fragments from rubbing together, it can also help alleviate pain almost immediately.
To prepare for the procedure, you will be asked to fast for six hours. Our medical team may start an intravenous line and monitor your vital signs for the duration of the procedure. Once you are sedated, our doctor will carefully insert a hollow needle directly into the vertebral body guided by the fluoroscopy machine. After the doctor is sure that the needle is correctly placed, a balloon is inserted and inflated to make space for the cement. Once the space is opened up, the bone cement is injected and hardens to restore vertebral height and thus alleviate pain. The needle is removed and a small bandage is place at the puncture site.
Once the procedure is completed, you will be monitored for up to 30 to 45 minutes. When you are ready to leave, our staff will provide you with discharge instructions. Some soreness is normal in the first 48 hours after the procedure and ice packs can help relieve these symptoms. Most patients enjoy immediate pain relief. As always, check with your doctor before resuming normal activities or resuming any bone-strengthening supplements.
You may quickly notice that you have less pain than you did before the procedure. Pain relief may last for years to come.