Kyphoplasty

Introduction

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spinal compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis. It helps restore the shape and stability of the fractured vertebra, providing rapid pain relief and improving mobility. If untreated, spinal compression fractures can lead to severe pain, hunchback posture, and reduced quality of life.

At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we specialize in helping our patients regain their mobility and reduce their pain. Here we will explore the benefits of kyphoplasty, differences from vertebroplasty, and advanced techniques, such performing the procedure alongside bone tumor ablation.

Kyphoplasty involves using a balloon to create a small cavity in the fractured vertebra. Once inflated, the balloon restores the vertebra’s height. The cavity is filled with bone cement, stabilizing the fracture and reducing pain. This procedure not only treats pain but also prevents the vertebra from collapsing further.

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning most patients go home the same day. The recovery is fast, and many patients feel significant relief within hours of the procedure.

Both kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty treat spinal compression fractures with bone cement, but they differ in technique and outcomes.

Kyphoplasty:

• Uses a balloon to create a cavity in the vertebra.
• Restores some of the vertebral height lost due to the fracture.
• Provides more control over cement placement, reducing leakage risk.

Vertebroplasty:

• Involves direct injection of cement into the fractured vertebra without a balloon.
• Does not restore the height of the vertebra.
• Slightly higher risk of cement leakage because the cement flows freely.

While both procedures provide pain relief, kyphoplasty offers an added benefit by restoring vertebral height. This makes it ideal for patients with severe compression fractures.

You may be a candidate for kyphoplasty in Arizona if you experience the following:

• Osteoporotic fractures in the spine causing pain or loss of height.
• Persistent back pain lasting more than four weeks, despite rest and medication.
• Vertebral compression fractures related to cancer or trauma.
• Difficulty standing upright or performing daily activities due to back pain.
• Sudden, severe back pain after minor injuries or falls.

Early treatment with kyphoplasty can prevent further spine damage and improve posture, especially for those with osteoporosis.

In addition to treating osteoporosis, kyphoplasty is often used in combination with bone tumor ablation. Bone tumor ablation treats painful spinal tumors by destroying cancerous tissue with heat or cold. Once the tumor is destroyed, kyphoplasty stabilizes the spine by reinforcing the affected vertebra with bone cement.

This combination provides effective pain relief for cancer patients and reduces the need for opioids. Moreover, it is especially helpful when the spine has become weak from metastatic cancer.

By offering this advanced treatment, Red Butte Pain Solutions helps improve quality of life for cancer patients with spinal fractures.

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed with local anesthesia or mild sedation. Below are the steps involved:

• Preparation: The patient lies on their stomach, and the physician uses X-ray guidance to target the fractured vertebra.
• Balloon Insertion: A small tube is inserted into the vertebra, followed by a balloon catheter.
• Cavity Creation: The balloon inflates to create a cavity, restoring the vertebral height.
• Cement Injection: The balloon is removed, and the cavity is filled with bone cement to stabilize the fracture.
• Completion: The cement hardens quickly, securing the vertebra.

The entire procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes per vertebra. Most patients can walk within hours and return to daily activities within a few days.

The procedure offers several benefits for patients with spinal compression fractures:

• Immediate pain relief: Many patients report reduced pain within 24 hours.
• Improved posture: Restoring vertebral height helps correct a hunched back.
• Better mobility: Patients can move more freely and return to normal activities.
• Prevents future fractures: Stabilizing the spine reduces the risk of further collapse.
• Minimizes opioid use: Patients experience pain relief without relying on medications.

In Arizona, kyphoplasty is especially beneficial for older adults with osteoporosis, helping them stay active and avoid the complications of immobility.

While kyphoplasty is generally safe, like all medical procedures, it carries some risks:

• Cement leakage: Although rare with kyphoplasty, cement may leak into surrounding tissues.
• Infection: Proper hygiene and sterile conditions minimize this risk.
• Nerve damage: Careful needle placement reduces the chance of nerve injury.
• Allergic reactions: Some patients may react to the cement material.

At Red Butte Pain Solutions, our team takes every precaution to ensure the procedure is safe and effective.

After kyphoplasty, most patients feel significant relief and can resume light activities within a day. Complete recovery* may take one to two weeks, depending on the patient’s overall health.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery:

• Avoid heavy lifting for at least two weeks.
• Stay active to prevent stiffness, but avoid strenuous activities.
• Follow your doctor’s instructions about medications and physical therapy.
• Eat calcium-rich foods and take vitamin D supplements to improve bone health.

Patients with osteoporosis should work closely with their healthcare providers to reduce the risk of future fractures.

At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we are committed to providing advanced, compassionate care to patients with back pain. Our expertise in kyphoplasty helps patients across Arizona find relief from painful spinal fractures.

We also will help direct comprehensive treatment plans for osteoporosis, including physical therapy and medication management, to help prevent future fractures. With our experience in treating cancer-related spinal fractures, we provide specialized care for those with complex needs.

Kyphoplasty is a highly effective treatment for spinal compression fractures, providing rapid pain relief and restoring mobility. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we offer some of the most advanced kyphoplasty treatments in Arizona, including procedures combined with bone tumor ablation.

Whether you have a fracture from osteoporosis, cancer, or trauma, kyphoplasty can help you get back to the activities you enjoy. Contact Red Butte Pain Solutions today to learn more about how kyphoplasty can change your life.

—

Call us today at 602-633-4334 to schedule a consultation and find out if kyphoplasty is right for you.