Kyphoplasty

What is a kyphoplasty?

A kyphoplasty is a surgical procedure to repair a compression fracture in the spine caused by osteoporosis. It can also be used to correct anatomical variants in the spine, like hemivertebrae, if needed. The most successful kyphoplasties are performed within eight weeks of a compression fracture for the greatest long-term stability and symptom relief.

How is a kyphoplasty performed?

Before beginning your kyphoplasty, Dr. Atlas administers either local or general anesthesia so you're comfortable and relaxed for your surgery. He then makes a small incision in your back over the area of your spine that's being repaired. He inserts a thin tube through the incision and guides it to the vertebra using X-ray technology.

Once the tube is in place, Dr. Atlas inserts a small balloon through the tube and inflates it to expand the compressed vertebral area. He removes the balloon, and then fills the open space with a bone graft and surgical cement to solidify the bone fragments and form a new vertebra. This helps to maintain the vertebral height and avoid pinching nerves and soft tissues in the area.

The surgery lasts one hour for each vertebral segment being repaired. Multiple segments can be repaired at the same time, if needed. This may be appropriate for you if other vertebrae in the area are severely affected by osteoporosis and are at-risk for fracture.

How long does it take to recover from a kyphoplasty?

Once your surgery is completed, Dr. Atlas transfers you to a recovery room in the hospital and monitors you as your anesthesia wears off. You may stay in the hospital for one day before returning home. 

Dr. Atlas provides extensive instructions for your recovery, including how much you can move around, how to bathe and keep the surgical area dry, and how often to take pain medications or antibiotics. In most cases, you can return to your regular activities right away but must wait six weeks for any strenuous activity.

For most patients, pain relief is immediate after a kyphoplasty. Others experience relief within a couple of days. Dr. Atlas provides management of your osteoporosis with medications and lifestyle changes to prevent future fractures as much as possible.

If you've experienced a spinal fracture that needs surgical repair, schedule a consultation at Atlas Spine by phone or the online tool now.