Spinal compression fractures are common, especially among older adults with osteoporosis, but they can also result from trauma or cancer. These fractures can cause sudden, intense back pain, limit mobility, and even lead to spinal deformities.
Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure, has become a leading treatment option to restore stability and relieve pain. But is it the right option for you? Let’s take a closer look.
Understanding Spinal Compression Fractures
Spinal compression fractures occur when the vertebrae collapse, often due to conditions like osteoporosis, which weakens the bones, or trauma from accidents. Other causes include cancer that spreads to the spine, weakening its structural integrity.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The symptoms of a spinal compression fracture can vary in intensity but typically include:
Sudden, severe back pain: Especially noticeable when standing or walking.
Height loss: Due to the collapse of one or more vertebrae.
Reduced mobility: Difficulty bending or twisting your back.
Some patients may also experience deformities like a hunched posture (kyphosis). These symptoms can drastically affect your quality of life and shouldn’t be ignored.
What Is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive, targeted procedure to repair spinal compression fractures. During the procedure, a small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra. The balloon is then inflated to restore the vertebra’s height, after which bone cement is injected to stabilize the fracture.
The primary goals of kyphoplasty are to:
Relieve pain (with studies showing over 90% of patients report immediate, significant pain reduction after the procedure) .
Restore spinal stability.
Prevent further deformity.
Unlike more traditional surgical approaches, kyphoplasty is performed under sedation, using only a small incision. The procedure typically lasts about an hour, and patients can return home the same day.
When to Talk to Your Doctor About Kyphoplasty
If you’ve been experiencing persistent pain, height loss, or limited mobility due to a spinal compression fracture, it’s time to talk to your healthcare provider. Early intervention is key to preventing further damage. If conservative treatments aren’t working, kyphoplasty may offer you a faster path to recovery.
The Kyphoplasty Procedure
Before undergoing kyphoplasty, your doctor will perform a series of imaging tests to confirm the fracture’s location. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
Sedation: The patient is placed under light sedation to ensure comfort.
Incision: A small incision is made, and a specialized needle is inserted into the fractured vertebra.
Balloon Inflation: A balloon is gently inflated to create space and restore the height of the vertebra.
Bone Cement Injection: Bone cement is injected into the space to stabilize the vertebra.
Recovery: The incision is closed, and the patient is monitored briefly before going home
After the procedure, most patients report immediate pain relief and can resume light activities within a few days. Your doctor will provide specific guidelines for post-operative care, which usually includes avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activities.
Living with the pain and limitations of a spinal compression fracture can take a toll on your daily life. But with kyphoplasty, there’s hope for fast, effective relief. This minimally invasive procedure has helped countless patients regain their mobility, reduce pain, and reclaim their quality of life—without the long recovery times of traditional surgery.
If you’re tired of letting back pain control your life, it’s time to take action. Schedule a consultation with our team today to discover how kyphoplasty could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
