KYPHOPLASTY
If you believe you need a Kyphoplasty in the North Texas Area, please visit our spine specialists today to learn more!
What is a Kyphoplasty?
When treating fractures in the spinal vertebrae, orthopedic spinal specialists can perform a kyphoplasty procedure. Spinal Surgeons perform this minimally invasive surgical procedure to repair the spinal column and prevent back pain.
A minimally invasive surgery, a kyphoplasty helps relieve the symptoms of a compression fracture. Spinal compression fractures occur primarily in the spinal vertebrae that have been weakened by osteoporosis. Compression fractures typically occur in the thoracic region of the spine, which includes the T1 through T12 vertebrae. Compression fractures may also occur in the lumbar spine, or L1 through L5. The incision for a kyphoplasty rarely exceeds more than a 1/2 inch. Typically, a kyphoplasty last about about 15-20 minutes.
During a vertebral fracture, the spinal vertebrae will lose stability and compress inward, putting pressure on the spinal nerve. This can cause intense pain, paresthesia and possibly paralysis. Patients with a vertebral compression fracture often suffer from Osteoporosis, as the deficit in bone density can lead to a higher risk of fracturing. Spinal Tumors may also contribute to weakness in the vertebrae.
If the vertebrae has collapsed too far to safely perform a vertebroplasty, the surgeon will first insert a medical balloon into the collapsed vertebrae through a large, hollow needle. The surgeon will inflate the balloon to re-shape the vertebrae before injecting the cement to hold the bone in a healthy shape.