What is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spinal fractures, particularly compression fractures caused by conditions like osteoporosis, cancer, or trauma. The goal is to stabilize the vertebra, restore some of its height, and alleviate pain.

Key Aspects of Kyphoplasty:

Why Kyphoplasty is Done:

• • Compression Fractures: Often caused by osteoporosis, the weakened bones can collapse, causing intense back pain and deformity (kyphosis, a forward curvature of the spine).
  • Other causes include trauma, bone cancer, or spinal tumors.
  • Kyphoplasty is performed to relieve pain, stabilize the vertebra, and prevent further collapse or deformity.

How Kyphoplasty Works:

• • Procedure:
    • The patient is placed under local or general anesthesia.
    • A small incision is made in the back, and a hollow needle (trocar) is inserted into the fractured vertebra under X-ray guidance.
    • A balloon is then inserted through the needle into the vertebra and inflated. This creates a cavity and attempts to restore the height of the collapsed vertebra.
    • The balloon is deflated and removed, and the cavity is filled with bone cement(polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA) to stabilize the bone.
  • The cement hardens quickly, providing structural support to the fractured vertebra.

Benefits of Kyphoplasty:

• • Pain Relief: Many patients experience significant pain relief within hours to days after the procedure.
  • Spinal Stabilization: The cement provides support to the weakened vertebra, preventing further collapse.
  • Improved Mobility: Reduces pain, allowing patients to move more freely and return to daily activities sooner.
  • Minimal Invasiveness: The procedure involves only a small incision, leading to faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

Who is a Candidate for Kyphoplasty:

• • Patients with osteoporotic compression fractures that cause severe pain.
  • Individuals with spinal fractures due to trauma, cancer, or other conditions that have weakened the bones.
  • Kyphoplasty is most effective when performed within a few weeks of the fracture occurring