Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty procedures are injections in the spine used to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCF), a painful condition in which the bones of the spine collapse. Both procedures are minimally invasive and have proven to treat the pain associated with VCF. Causes of VCF include:
- Osteoporosis (a disease in which bones become weak and brittle)
- Spinal injury
- Tumors in spine (cancerous or non-cancerous)
How is Kyphoplasty Performed?
Kyphoplasty is an injection into the spine where a balloon is inserted and inflated to restore spinal height, following an injection of polymethylmethacrylate (bone cement) into the spine. Vertebroplasty only includes an injection of bone cement into the spine. While both procedures solve the same problem, kyphoplasty relieves pain and pressure while vertebroplasty reduces pain.
During the procedure, the patient will lie face down and will be provided general anesthesia. An x-ray is utilized to guide the injection into the vertebrate. After the procedure is complete, the cement will harden and the patient will be monitored over the next few hours to ensure there are no complications. The patient is typically sent home the same day and can return to light/normal activities the next day.
Recovery Process
Patients may experience pain relief from the fracture within the first few days or it may take up to weeks. Pain from the procedure should go away in the first couple days as well. The patient should keep activities light for the next 24 hours and do more as pain decreases. Pain medications may be administered, but should be taken as directed. It is advised not to do any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until fully healed. The total recovery time can be from four to six weeks post operation.
Schedule an Appointment to Relieve your Pain
If you are experiencing pain associated with vertebral compression fractures, call (512) 981-7246 to schedule a consultation with our Austin pain doctors to see if you may be a candidate for a kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty procedure today. Our pain specialist Dr. Robert S. Marks will collaborate with you to determine the best solution that’s specific to you.