What is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spine surgery used to treat spine fractures caused by osteoporosis, also known as severe Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCF). VCF is a fracture in the vertebral body that causes it to collapse, and ultimately causing the spinal column to develop an abnormal forward curve.

A Good Candidate for Kyphoplasty

Certain patients with osteoporosis are not good candidates for kyphoplasty. Kyphoplasty cannot correct already established deformities in the spine. Patients that are experiencing painful symptoms or deformities from osteoporotic fractures are the best candidates for kyphoplasty.

Kyphoplasty Procedure

During Kyphoplasty, the surgeon makes a tiny incision (approx. 3mm) in the lower back, and inserts a device called KyphX IBT (inflatable bone tamp) into the vertebral body where the fracture is. A deflated balloon is attached to the end of the IBT and inflated once it reaches the fractured area, which expands and creates a cavity. The balloon is then deflated and removed from the newly created cavity. The cavity is filled with bone cement to stabilize the vertebrae and straighten the spine. Kyphoplasty also restores spinal body height and vertebrae shape reducing deformity.

Risks and Side Effects of Kyphoplasty

A poor reaction to the anesthesia is always a risk to be considered, as well as infection, however a very low percentage of patients experience this.

Recovery from Kyphoplasty

Patients are able to walk and resume daily activities immediately after kyphoplasty surgery.

Results of Kyphoplasty

Patients will feel pain relief immediately after kyphoplasty. Success rates for treating osteoporotic fractures are high. The percentage of individuals who experience complications after kyphoplasty is less than 1%.