What Is Kyphoplasty For Treating Spine Fractures?

We’ve all been told by our doctor that our bones change as we get older. The wear and tear of a normal life can compress bones and make them brittle, more prone to fractures. And since our skeleton is what supports the body and allows us to walk, run, play, and otherwise move about, having fragile bones is not to be ignored.

Fractures of the spine caused by osteoporosis, cancer or from radiation treatment for cancers can be treated through a minimally invasive surgical procedure called kyphoplasty.

What Is Kyphoplasty Surgery?

"Kyphoplasty's a minimally invasive surgical procedure that's designed to treat painful compression fractures in the spine, which are often caused by osteoporosis or trauma,” said Michael Goldberg, MD, an Indianapolis pain management physician with Franciscan Physician Network, "if the procedure where we insert a balloon into the fractured vertebrae to restore its tight and then inject bone cement to stabilize it,

During a kyphoplasty procedure, the surgeon makes a small, pencil-width incision in the back near where the break is located, then inserts a special balloon to restore height to the compressed bone and create a space to accept a quick-drying cement. Once hardened, the cement seals off the fracture and acts as an internal cast to minimize pain.

"Commonly it is done under general where you're fully asleep with an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist just for patient comfort more than anything," he said.

What Are Benefits Of Kyphoplasty?

"Benefits of kyphoplasty are the pain relief they can get, such as many patients experiencing immediate relief from pain after the procedure," Dr. Goldberg said. "We restore the height, it helps restore the height of the collapsed vertebrae, improving spinal alignment, and then it helps also prevent further deformity. It can prevent the develop of kyphosis or hunched posture."

Who Is A Good Candidate For Kyphoplasty?

As one might expect, kyphoplasty is used frequently in older patients, who are most prone to osteoporosis and compression fractures of the spine, as well as people who have cancer or experienced trauma. However, Dr. Goldberg says he is also starting to see these types of fractures in younger people, those in their 40s and 50s, caused by poor diet and hormonal imbalances.

“Older people don’t have the usual back pain like younger folks who may strain their back,” Dr. Goldberg said. “That is not typical in seniors. So when they experience serious back pain, we begin to suspect something more serious such as a fracture.”

"This is pain that usually doesn't respond to conserved treatments like medication by mouth or physical therapy," he said. "The fractures are relatively new usually within the last 12 weeks,

What Is Recovery From Kyphoplasty Like?

"Most patients can return to their normal activities within 24 hours after the procedure," Dr. Goldberg said. "Many report significant pain relief within 48 hours. Although full recovery can take four to six weeks depending on the individual circumstances and overall health."

For many people, kyphoplasty can be a life changer. Imagine suffering a spinal fracture and being the primary caregiver to someone with serious health issues. In this instance, the surgery can ensure that the caregiver doesn’t become the one who needs care.

“Under the right circumstances and performed relatively soon after a break occurs, kyphoplasty can make a dramatic difference,” Dr. Goldberg said. “Even as soon as the patients wake up after the procedure, they notice less or removed fracture pain. They can get up and get on with their lives.”