Kyphoplasty

What Is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure for certain kinds of spinal fractures (often called vertebral compression fractures). These fractures can cause the bones of the spine to collapse, leading to kyphosis. This spine curvature — when left untreated — can limit breathing and organ function, in addition to the exacerbation of the appearance of being hunched over. 

The specialists at New Jersey Brain and Spine have extensive expertise in treating kyphosis via kyphoplasty, which significantly alleviates pain and stabilizes vertebra that’s damaged or collapsed.  

Kyphoplasty is most often recommended for those who suffer from painful, worsening back pain and declining mobility or functioning related to:

What is done in a kyphoplasty? 

Kyphoplasty involves a small puncture through the skin instead of an incision (cut). Surgeons may opt for either moderate sedation, which involves minimal discomfort; or anesthesia, during which patients are asleep. 

The surgery is performed on patients lying on their stomach, and a hollow needle (called a trocar) is inserted into the affected spine bone. Surgeons insert an inflatable balloon-like device into vertebra via the trocar. As the balloon inflates, a spot is opened for surgeons to inject bone cement. This prevents further collapse of the affected vertebrae or vertebra. 

How long does it take to recover from kyphoplasty surgery?

Kyphoplasty is considered minimally invasive because it is an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can go home the same day. Kyphoplasty on one section of the spine takes approximately an hour or less to perform. 

Within 48 hours, kyphoplasty typically provides relief from kyphosis pain, and improved mobility. In some cases, patients feel pain relief immediately from their condition, and the procedure itself involves minimal discomfort. Some soreness at the injection site may occur post-procedure, but this typically resolves within a few days and can be treated with ice. 

Most patients are able to return to regular, non-strenuous activities within a day. Full recovery is expected within four to six weeks. 

Is kyphoplasty a permanent fix?

Although kyphoplasty can provide significant pain relief and stabilize the vertebra, the procedure does not prevent future fractures. Kyphoplasty is not a permanent fix, so patients with osteoporosis, for example, may require ongoing treatment to maintain bone health. 

However, an estimated 92% of people who undergo kyphoplasty report alleviation of pain after the procedure.

Exploring Kyphoplasty? New Jersey Patients Start Here

If you’ve been diagnosed with a vertebral compression fracture and are exploring options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee at New Jersey Brain and Spine to learn if kyphoplasty is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Are kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty the same thing?

Although kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are similar outpatient procedures, they are not the same. The balloon inserted during kyphoplasty lengthens the spine to make vertebrae taller. Then the balloons are removed and the space is filled with a quick-drying medical cement to support the spinal column. Vertebroplasty does not involve balloons, but medical cement is injected directly into fractured vertebrae to shore up broken bones. Both provide pain relief.

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