If you have unresolved back pain, daily life can be difficult. Furthermore, if your back pain is the result of a compression fracture, the pain can be debilitating. But, you are not alone. In fact, an estimated 1.5 million compression fractures occur each year in the United States. While many fractures heal on their own, some do not. So, for patients with osteoporosis and compression fractures, a procedure called kyphoplasty can help reduce pain and restore mobility. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure to correct compression fractures in the spine.
What is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to correct compression fractures. Compression fractures are broken vertebrae in the back. Furthermore, these fractures are usually the result of osteoporosis in elderly patients. That is to say, osteoporosis is the age-related weakening of the bones. As bones become fragile, fractures in the spine are common. In fact, most patients experience fractures with minimal activity, like changing clothing.
As an evolution of vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty is a relatively new procedure. Developed in the early 2000s, the procedure uses a small balloon to “inflate” the vertebrae, which is essential to the procedure. Then, after the vertebrae is inflated, surgeons are able to reshape it before cementing the bones with glue. Moreover, reshaping sets kyphoplasty apart from other procedures that only cement the bones, such as vertebroplasty.
What are the benefits of kyphoplasty for Compression Fractures?
Kyphoplasty has numerous benefits. This safe, minimally invasive procedure is performed as an outpatient treatment. The recovery time is minimal, and the treatment is not painful. But, those aren’t the only benefits. As a matter of fact, other benefits include:
- Fast recovery
- 70-80% pain reduction
- Improved quality of life
- Improved mobility
- Restored height and reduced “hunching”
- Reshaped vertebrae
The main benefit of kyphoplasty is the ability to reshape the vertebrae. As a result, this helps patients stand up straighter and do not ‘hunch’ as much. Additionally, this can help relieve secondary pain associated with poor posture caused by compression fractures. With a 70-80% reduction in pain, patients can accomplish daily tasks that may have become impossible while living with fractures.
Am I a candidate for kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty cannot treat all fracture types. Only patients with compression fractures are candidates. However, for those with compression fractures that do not heal on their own, kyphoplasty may be a good choice. Also, this procedure is ideal for older patients with osteoporosis. On the other hand, younger patients, who usually have traumatic fractures, are not ideal candidates. So, if you have significant pain that does not go away with conservative treatment, ask your doctor about kyphoplasty.
Kyphoplasty for Compression Fractures at Advanced Ortho and Spine
Kyphoplasty can change qualified patients’ lives. In fact, the minimally invasive procedure allows patients to regain mobility, reduce pain, and walk tall. Furthermore, a faster recovery, restored height, and reshaped vertebrae are just a few of the many benefits. Advanced Ortho and Spine is proud to provide kyphoplasty for qualified patients with compression fractures.
Dr. Tarek Elalayli and Dr. Mitul Patel are board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeons at Advanced Ortho and Spine. Our spine team provides a full spectrum of expert surgical and nonsurgical spinal care, including kyphoplasty for compression fractures. Contact us today to see if you qualify.
With two locations near Nashville in Mt. Juliet and Hermitage, Advanced Ortho and Spine provides patients with high-quality, personalized care while advancing orthopaedic excellence. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your
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