Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can be used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer. This article will explore the benefits of kyphoplasty, the procedure itself, and how it can be an effective treatment option for patients with VCFs.

What is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to treat VCFs. During the procedure, the physician inserts a balloon into the fractured vertebrae and inflates it to create a cavity. Once the cavity is created, the physician injects bone cement into the cavity, stabilizing the fracture and restoring the vertebra’s height and shape.

Benefits of Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with VCFs. This therapy is less invasive than other surgical treatments and can provide better pain relief with fewer side effects. The procedure can be performed as an outpatient procedure and can result in rapid pain relief and an improved quality of life.

The Procedure

During kyphoplasty, the physician makes a small incision in the patient’s back and inserts a narrow tube into the fractured vertebrae. A small balloon is inserted through the tube and inflated to create a cavity in the vertebra. The physician then injects bone cement into the cavity, which hardens and stabilizes the fracture. The entire procedure typically takes about an hour to complete, and most patients can go home the same day.

Effectiveness of Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty has been shown to provide significant pain relief and improve function for patients with VCFs. Studies have shown that patients who undergo kyphoplasty experience a reduction in pain and an improvement in mobility, which can lead to an improved quality of life.