Kyphoplasty
What's the difference between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a procedure used to repair damaged vertebrae and help them regain their former shape. Such damage is typically caused by a vertebral fracture, cancer treatment, or osteoporosis, all of which can lead to intense pain and limited mobility.
Similar to vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that injects a highly specialized cement mixture into the affected vertebrae in order to reinforce it and prevent any further trauma to the spinal cord that is often experienced without treatment.
The major factor that separates a vertebroplasty from a kyphoplasty is that during a vertebroplasty the mixture is injected directly into the bone, whereas a kyphoplasty first requires the use of a balloon to create space in the vertebrae before adding the cement. The inflated balloon helps to ensure that the mixture is able to reach all crevices within the vertebrae while also restoring the vertebrae to its natural height.
What happens during a kyphoplasty?
All patients who undergo a kyphoplasty will be put under local or general anesthesia to dull the area and relieve any possible pain. Only two small incisions need to be made, which are where a probe will enter into the skin and allow the cement mixture to pass through to the vertebrae. Once in place, the balloon will be expanded and the cement injected.
Throughout this entire process Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance will be monitoring the location of the probe and strengthening substance using contrast and real time X-ray or MRI technology. The whole procedure lasts approximately 1 hour or less, after which the patient is typically able to return home so long as there were no unforeseen complications.
Most patients report improved symptoms within 48 hours of completing a kyphoplasty.
Learn more from Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance
If you still have questions regarding kyphoplasty and whether or not the procedure may be right for you, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today by calling 414-384-6700. You may also request an appointment online using our secure form.