Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a surgical procedure. It can be used to remedy fragility fractures of the spine.

In the past compression fractures of the spine were treated by bed rest, bracing and pain medication. These things address pain.but they do not change the spinal deformity caused by the fracture. This procedure addresses the pain but it also changes the spinal deformity. Kyphoplasty stabilizes the fracture, corrects the vertebra distortion and in doing so relieves pain.

Frequently asked questions:

Then using X-ray images your doctor inserts a special balloon through the tube and inflates it so that the ballon elevates the fracturedpart of the vertebra and returns the vertebra to a more normal shape. The balloon also compacts the soft inner bone. This creates a cavity inside the vertebrae.

Next your doctor removes the balloon and inserts a special cementlike material (polymethylmethacrylate). This material hardens quickly.Your vertebra is stabilized in position.

2. Is this an operation? Will they use anesthesia?

Yes, this is surgery and is done by a surgeon specially trainedin the procedure. You will have either local or general anesthesia.If you have concerns about general anesthesia because of your ageor other medical conditions, be sure to discuss the possiblity oflocal anesthesia with your doctor.

3. How long does Kyphoplasty take?

It usually takes about 1 hour for each vetebra treated. Then youwill spend time in the recovery room.

4. Will I be hospitalized?

Some patients have kyphoplasty as one day surgery. Othersstay in the hospital overnight. In any case you will notbe able to drive after the surgery and if you will be goinghome you will need to arrange transportation.

5. How long will it take to recover?

Your physisican will advise you - depending on how many vertebrae weretreated and the particulars of your surgery.Some patients find immediaterelief from their pain; others find it takes one or two daysfor full pain relief. Most patients resume their activites on a limited basis and then expand that as theirrecovery continues.

You will need to wait for your physiciain'sapproval before you can drive.

6. What are the benefits of this surgery?

The most immediate benefit is a reduction in pain. Those who have had theprocedure also report greater mobility and ease doing ordinary tasks.Posture can be straightend significantly [dowagers hump] and this bothcan improve breathing and lessens the liklihood that the patient expereiences additional fractures caused by the extra pressure ofvertebra about a fracture 'tilting' over the fracture itself.

7. O.K. those are the positives but what are the risks?

As in all surgery there is always some risk of a reaction to anesthesia or a risk of infection.

In addition, Kyphoplasty, like vertebroplasty include some risk for:

• Nerve damage or a spinal cord injury during the operation.
• Nerve or spinal cord injury from the cement leaking.
• Allergic reaction to the solution used to see the balloon on the x-ray image.

8.Who is a candidate for kyphoplasty? Can anyone with pain from dowagers hump have this procedure?

Kyhoplasty Will be considered:

• It can not be done on 'old fractures'. The Kyphon corporation sitelists 6 months as a possible 'window'. However, you need anindividual evaluation of your condition.
• Some fractures are not amenable to this treatment. It is usually used on compression fractures. Patients with painfrom vertebral fracture should speak with their health careprovider and arrange an evaluation by a surgeon trained inthe procedure.

• the fracture is more than 2 weeks old but
• is less than one year old and
• is not yet fully healed.
• the fracture is painful and has been unresponsive to conventional treatments

9.Will my insurance pay for this procedure?

As with all medical procedures it is important to check withyour medical insurance company before you have the procedure. Medicare will usually pay for the procedure.Other insurance companies vary in their payment.

Sources: Courtney W. Brown, MD and Douglas C. Wong, MD; Spine health.org and Kyphon.com

If you want to read the latest research about Kyphoplasty, goto Kyphoplasty

Here are some sites that offer additonal information:

The Kyphon Coroporation offers a helpful e-book for patients about the procedureat http://www1.kyphon.com/pdfs/16000317-01PatientPreOp.pdf