Kyphoplasty

What Is A Vertebral Compression Fracture?

The spine is made up of many individual bones called vertebrae that stack together in a column. Just like other bones in the body, these vertebrae can fracture. A vertebral compression fracture is an injury that occurs when the main part of the vertebra, the vertebral body, experiences too much pressure and collapses in height.

Spine vertebrae can fracture when they are weak due to osteoporosis, cancer, bone growth, or other causes. Simple activities of daily living can cause a compression fracture.

Treatment Options

Most often, modifying activity, managing pain, physical therapy, and possible bracing are used to treat compression fractures. However, these options may increase loss of bone and allow for more collapse of your vertebrae. A large percentage of these fractures heal within 6 weeks.

Kyphoplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure where bone cement is injected into vertebra to enhance its strength. During the procedure, a deflated balloon is inserted into the broken vertebra prior to bone cement injection. The balloon is then inflated to help create space and possibly reduce the compression.

Who Is A Candidate?

Kyphoplasty is indicated for painful compression fractures resulting from osteoporosis or a tumor. A physician will perform testing (x-rays, MRI and/or bone scans) to determine if a patient will benefit from the procedure.

What To Expect With The Procedure

Normally patients return home on the same day. The procedure is performed with the patient lying face down on the procedure table and with use of x-ray guidance.

 

Contact Our Team

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us at 561-798-6600 or request an appointment online!