Balloon kyphoplasty
Balloon kyphoplasty for spinal compression fractures
If you are a patient suffering from a spinal fracture, Dr. Paraiso may recommend a procedure known as balloon kyphoplasty.
Before you decide if kyphoplasty is correct for you, take the time to understand how it gives you possible benefits by reading this page.
Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive Spinal treatment for spinal compression fractures also known as Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCFs). The Kyphoplasty procedure is related to the vertebroplasty procedure; however, the primary difference in these procedures is that kyphoplasty procedure utilizes a small balloon, which gently lifts the required bone fragments in their right position.
Spinal Compression Fracture
Spinal fractures can cause severe back pain and badly affect your overall health. When a spinal compression fracture occurs, the vertebral body may breakdown causing loss of normal vertebral body height.
Pre-surgical evaluation
The pre-surgical evaluation of the patient’s health before the day of the procedure can help plan and avoid any complications.
Kyphoplasty can be performed using local or general anesthesia, depending on many factors, such as the patient’s health and severity of the fracture.
Balloon Kyphoplasty Procedure
During balloon kyphoplasty, a thin tube (called a cannula) is inserted into the fractured spinal bone. Attached to the tube is a small balloon that moves or shifts the pieces of broken or compressed vertebral bone and forms a space (bony void) when it’s inflated. The balloon is removed, and the bony void is filled with bone cement that rapidly stabilizes the fracture.
The procedure of balloon kyphoplasty usually takes around 30 minutes for each fracture and the procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting. Patients usually go home the same day and have immediate pain relief.
Steps of the Balloon Kyphoplasty procedure
To understand the procedure, here is a step-by-step look at how kyphoplasty is performed.
➢ The surgeon will access the fractured vertebra using a cannulated drill instrument. A small balloon is then inserted through the cannula into the bone.
➢ Once in position, the balloon is gradually inflated to raise the collapsed bone into its normal position.
➢ When the bone is in the right position, the surgeon deflates and removes the balloon.
➢ To prevent the bone from breaking up again, the void is filled with orthopedic cement.
➢ Once set, the cement forms a cast inside the vertebral body that stabilizes the bone.
Benefits of Balloon Kyphoplasty
➢ Improved function and movement.
➢ Reduced number of days the patient may need to be in bed due to back pain.
➢ Low complication rate.
➢ Improved quality of life.
Reference cite: Taylor, R. S., Taylor, R. J., &Fritzell, P. (2006). Balloon kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fractures: a comparative systematic review of efficacy and safety. Spine, 31(23), 2747-2755.
Risks of balloon Kyphoplasty
As with any surgical procedure, although rare there can be risks. This includes infection, excessive bleeding, and/or a negative reaction to anesthesia. Other risks that are more specific to the kyphoplasty procedure include: These are seriousbut rarerisks related with kyphoplasty:
➢ Bone Cement leakage
➢ Paralysis
➢ Pain persists or gets worse
➢ Pulmonary embolism
➢ Allergic reaction to bone cement
If you have been suffering from back pain, contact Dr. Paraiso today for a consultation.
