Kyphoplasty is a highly effective, minimally-invasive procedure that treats vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), which are small breaks in the spine. These compression fractures can cause your spine to shorten and curve forward. Typically, the main cause of vertebral compression fractures is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes your bones to become more fragile.
You might be a candidate for kyphoplasty if you have increasing back pain caused by a fracture. Kyphoplasty patients often have a reduced ability to move and function. Your healthcare provider will help you determine if you are a strong candidate for kyphoplasty.
Now, you might be wondering what the kyphoplasty procedure is like. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure requiring no anesthesia; so you are able to return home on the day of your appointment. You lie on a table on your stomach so that the physician can insert a small needle into the vertebra. An x-ray helps guide the needle into position. Your physician inserts a balloon-like device into the vertebra so that the space can be filled with a special bone cement. The cement is what closes the bone fracture.
Kyphoplasty is an extremely low-risk procedure. As with any minimally-invasive procedure, there is a slight risk of infection, bleeding, or increased pain. However, your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions to reduce these risks. Soreness is common with kyphoplasty, but it should resolve within a couple of days.
Most people experience pain relief within 48 hours of kyphoplasty, but some patients feel relief immediately. You will likely be able to return to normal activities immediately. Avoid strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks.
Kyphoplasty Treatment at Memphis Vascular Center
Achieve long-lasting pain relief today! Memphis Vascular Center offers Kyphoplasty at our office in Germantown. If you would like to learn more about Kyphoplasty, please contact Memphis Vascular Center at 901-683-1890.
- Kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty: Definition & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11277-kyphoplastyvertebroplasty
- Osteoporosis: Symptoms, causes, tests & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4443-osteoporosis
