Kyphoplasty

What is Kyphoplasty for Compression Fractures?

Kyphoplasty is a surgical procedure done to treat the symptoms of a compression fracture in the spine, which causes pain, loss of height, and spinal deformities.

Compression fractures are usually caused by osteoporosis which is the loss of mass and density of the bones.

Women over the age of 50 have a higher risk for osteoporosis, and developing compression fractures in the spine. Compression fractures can also occur in younger patients who are taking steroids, or those who suffer from conditions that affect the strength of their bones.\

The symptoms caused by this condition can be treated with a minimally invasive outpatient surgical procedure, and can be done in an accredited outpatient surgical facility or hospital operating room.

How Kyphoplasty is Performed

Kyphoplasty is done under general anesthesia, and can take roughly an hour for each of the affected vertebrae. To begin the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision on the patient’s back, where a narrow tube is then inserted.

A fluoroscope used to guide the tube to its proper place. A balloon is then inserted through the tube, with the help of x-ray images. Once the balloon is in place, it is slowly and gently inflated. This causes the fracture to elevate, and helps it to get into a better position.

A cavity is also formed inside the vertebrae, as the inner bone is compacted by the inflated balloon. Once the vertebra is in an ideal position, the surgeon will then remove the balloon, and begin filling the cavity with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA).

This material is cement-like and quickly hardens after being released into the vertebrae, in effect, making the bone more stable. The surgeon will repeat the procedure for each of the affected vertebrae until all of them are filled with PMMA. When this is finished, the surgeon then removes the tube, and sutures up the small incision.

Kyphoplasty in Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County and Los Angeles County:

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