VERTEBRAL AUGMENTATION “KYPHOPLASTY”
Percutaneous Kyphoplasty is a procedure during which needles are used to inject a special bone cement into a fractured back bone to prevent it from fracturing further and to stop it from causing pain.
The procedure entails placing you under a fluoroscope which can take live x-rays before and throughout the procedure. Once the fractured bone is identified with the x-ray, the back is cleaned and draped in a sterile fashion. An IV is started which can be used to give some light sedation and pain medication for the procedure. The skin is then numbed with medicine using a very small needle. A larger needle is then placed through the numb skin and using x-ray guidance, is placed carefully into the fractured bone. A clean cavity is then created for the cement to occupy. Following this, a small balloon is inserted through the cannula and filled with a special bone cement called polymethylmethacrylate. This is carefully injected through the needle into the fractured bone. Only a small amount of cement is needed in most cases. The cement quickly hardens and the needle and balloon are removed. A small bandage is placed over the needle site. You will lie on your back for about 45 minutes to let the cement harden. After that, you will go home to rest.
Side effects of Kyphoplasty Injections are rare and these can be discussed with your doctor prior to having the procedure scheduled. Some patients with have an increase in their pain following the procedure but this usually lasts less than 2-3 days and then the overall pain begins to improve. Some patients receive immediate pain relief after their procedure and are able to resume normal activities within a few days. You will be asked to sign a written consent prior to the procedure. You will not be able to drive immediately after this procedure, so please arrange a ride to and from the facility.
Kyphoplasty can be valuable diagnostic procedures when conservative therapy has failed. Please contact our office if you have additional questions regarding this procedure.
