Kyphoplasty

An Overview

Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures, commonly called spinal fractures. This type of fracture is often caused by conditions that affect bone mass such as osteoporosis, cancer, or long-term use of corticosteroids. Spinal fractures cause the vertebral body to crack or collapse, altering the shape of the spinal column.

Just one fracture can upset the vertical alignment of the spine and can lead to additional fractures.

It has been estimated that over 700,000 spinal fractures occur annually in the U.S. alone. Significant pain and some degree of kyphosis is common, especially in patients suffering from multiple fractures.

Before minimally invasive surgery, the only treatment option for patients with spinal fractures was open surgery. Outcomes were poor, primarily because attaching hardware to bone that is already “soft” or compromised is difficult. Balloon kyphoplasty is an innovative technique that can restore the vertebra to a near-normal shape, thereby maintaining spinal alignment. Before the procedure, the patient usually undergoes imaging studies to pinpoint the location of the fracture. Many patients report immediate relief from pain after the procedure.

Through 2 small incisions on either side of the spine, the surgeon inserts a hollow tube into the fractured vertebra under fluoroscopic guidance
Two small orthopedic balloons are passed through the tubes and inflated inside the collapsed vertebral body. Inflation of the balloons raises the collapsed vertebral body in an attempt to restore normal anatomy.
Once height and shape of the vertebra has been restored, the balloons are deflated and removed
The “hollow” or void created by the balloons is then filled with bone cement
The bone cement hardens quickly, creating an internal cast and stabilizing the fracture

Balloon kyphoplasty may require an overnight hospital stay, depending on medical necessity. The procedure can also be done on an outpatient basis. The procedure takes about one hour per fracture level treated and many patients are able to resume normal activity rather quickly.