Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty Overview
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spine surgery that treats vertebral compression fractures. Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates’ (CONA) kyphoplasty specialists perform in-office and outpatient procedures.
How is kyphoplasty performed?
Kyphoplasty is performed under general or local anesthesia. After the patient is comfortably positioned and completely asleep or sedated, a CONA kyphoplasty specialist:
- Begins surgery. Tissues are gently retracted.
- Accesses the fractures. A cannula and trocar are carefully inserted into the fractured area under x-ray guidance.
- Improve vertebral height. A tiny balloon is positioned in the fractured area and slowly inflated to elevate the vertebral body.
- Stabilizes the fracture. Biological cement bonds the fracture.
- Ends surgery. Tissue layers and skin are closed. A sterile dressing is placed over the surgical site.
Total procedure time is approximately 30 minutes per each vertebral level treated.
What conditions can kyphoplasty treat?
Kyphoplasty is the ideal treatment option for vertebral compression fractures that do not respond to nonsurgical treatment options. Common vertebral compression fracture causes are:
- Injuries
- Osteoporosis
What are kyphoplasty advantages?
Kyphoplasty dramatically improves compression fracture caused pain. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, patients:
- Experience less pain
- Recovery quickly
- Return to normal activities with minimal to no restrictions
In some cases, kyphoplasty may be performed as an outpatient procedure.
What is kyphoplasty recovery like?
Patients are brought to the postoperative recovery room after surgery. Discomfort is monitored and controlled while anesthesia or sedation wears off. The patient goes home or is brought to their private hospital room when they are completely awake and comfortable. Patients receive kyphoplasty recovery information and instructions before surgery and at follow up appointments 2 weeks, 1, 3, 6 and 8 months after surgery.