If you suffer from back pain caused by a vertebral compression fracture (VCF), you may have heard of a procedure called balloon kyphoplasty, sometimes referred to simply as kyphoplasty. This minimally invasive, percutaneous treatment offers a way to restore the height and stability of a fractured vertebra, potentially relieving pain and improving quality of life. If you are considering balloon kyphoplasty, it is important to understand what the procedure involves, how it works, the conditions it treats, and the benefits and risks. This guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
At Endoscopic & Minimally Invasive Spine Specialists, we have extensive experience and expertise with balloon kyphoplasty and provide the highest-quality care in surgical and non-surgical neurosurgical care.
To learn more about balloon kyphoplasty, call the office today or request an appointment online.
This guide will help you understand the condition, the procedure, its benefits, risks, and the recovery process.
What is Balloon Kyphoplasty?
Balloon kyphoplasty is a percutaneous minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures, which often occur as a result of osteoporosis (a condition that causes bones to become brittle and weak), tumor, or trauma. The procedure involves the use of a balloon-like device to create space inside the vertebra, followed by the injection of a special bone cement to stabilize the vertebra and restore its height.
The goal of balloon kyphoplasty is to relieve pain, improve vertebral stability, and prevent further collapse of the vertebra. This procedure is typically performed on patients who have not responded to conservative treatments like medications, rest, or physical therapy.
What is a Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF)?
A vertebral compression fracture occurs when a vertebra (the bones in the spine) collapses, usually due to weakness from osteoporosis or other conditions. These fractures most commonly affect the thoracic spine (middle back) and lumbar spine (lower back). Compression fractures can cause:
- Severe back pain, which may worsen with standing or walking.
- Loss of height over time due to vertebral collapse.
- Postural changes, such as a forward-curved spine (also called a “dowager’s hump” or kyphosis).
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness if the fracture compresses nerves or the spinal cord.
Osteoporosis is the leading cause of these fractures, but they can also occur due to trauma, cancer, or certain metabolic bone diseases.
How Does Balloon Kyphoplasty Work?
Balloon kyphoplasty works by creating space within a fractured vertebra, compacting and annealing fracture micro-fragments, and restoring vertebral body height. Here is an overview of the procedure:
1. Preparation: Before the procedure, your doctor will evaluate your medical history and conduct imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, to identify the location and severity of the fracture. The procedure may be performed either under local anesthesia with sedation, meaning you will be awake but relaxed and comfortable during the surgery, or under general anesthesia.
2. Insertion of Balloons: Once the area is numbed, your surgeon will make a small incision (usually less than 1 cm) in your back and insert a needle into the fractured vertebra under fluoroscopic guidance (real-time X-ray). This can be done either unilateral (from one side only), or bilateral (on both sides). The center portion of each needle (stylet) is removed and a channel is created in the bone. A balloon catheter is placed down the needle and is gently inflated inside the vertebra, creating a cavity and restoring some of the vertebra’s original height. The inflation process helps to reduce the deformity caused by the fracture.
3. Injection of Bone Cement: After the balloon is inflated and the desired space is created, it is deflated and removed. The cavity is then filled with a special type of bone cement called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). This cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the vertebra and preventing further collapse. The bone cement also helps to secure the vertebra in place, offering pain relief and supporting the overall structure of the spine.
4. Completion: After the cement has been injected and hardened, the needle is removed and the incision is closed with a dab of skin adhesive, and you are monitored in a recovery area. The procedure typically takes 10 minutes per vertebral segment being treated.
Conditions Treated by Balloon Kyphoplasty
Balloon kyphoplasty is most commonly used to treat vertebral compression fractures caused by:
- Osteoporosis: A condition that weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures. Osteoporosis is the most common cause of compression fractures in the spine, particularly in postmenopausal women and older adults.
- Trauma: Accidents, falls, or direct blows to the back can result in vertebral fractures, which may benefit from balloon kyphoplasty.
- Cancer: Spinal tumors, either primary or metastatic (cancer that has spread to the spine), can weaken the vertebrae, leading to fractures. Balloon kyphoplasty can help stabilize these weakened vertebrae.
- Other Conditions: Conditions like metabolic bone diseases or certain inherited bone disorders can also cause vertebral compression fractures.
Balloon kyphoplasty is especially beneficial when the fracture is acute (recent) or subacute (not more than a few months old), as the bone cement provides stability before the vertebra has undergone significant deformity or collapse.
Benefits of Balloon Kyphoplasty
Balloon kyphoplasty offers several advantages over traditional open surgery for treating vertebral compression fractures, including:
1. Pain Relief: The procedure can provide immediate relief from back pain caused by the fractured vertebra. Many patients experience a significant reduction in pain after the procedure, and the effects can last for months or even years.
2. Restoration of Vertebral Height: The balloon inflation process restores some of the height to the collapsed vertebra, improving spinal alignment and reducing deformity.
3. Minimally Invasive: Balloon kyphoplasty is performed through a small incision and does not require large cuts or muscle disruption. As a result, recovery time is shorter compared to open surgery.
4. Improved Mobility: By relieving pain and stabilizing the spine, balloon kyphoplasty can help restore mobility and improve the ability to perform everyday activities.
5. Outpatient Procedure: Most balloon kyphoplasty procedures are done on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home the same day after the procedure.
6. Short Recovery Time: Most patients experience a relatively quick recovery and can return to normal activities within a few days to weeks, although heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided initially.
Risks and Potential Complications
Although balloon kyphoplasty is a generally safe procedure, there are some potential risks and complications to consider:
- Infection: As with any surgery, there is a small risk of infection at the site of the incision.
- Cement Leakage: There is a possibility that the bone cement could leak out of the vertebra into surrounding tissues, including blood vessels or nerves. In some cases, this can cause complications, although it is usually rare and often asymptomatic.
- Fracture Recurrence: If other vertebrae in the spine are weak or brittle, new fractures may occur after the procedure.
- Nerve Injury: While rare, there is a risk of nerve damage from the procedure, which could lead to numbness, weakness, or pain.
- Allergic Reaction: Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the bone cement or other materials used during the procedure.
It is important to discuss these risks with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from balloon kyphoplasty is generally quick, especially compared to traditional spine surgery. Here is what to expect:
1. Post-Procedure Care: After the procedure, you will be monitored for a short period to ensure there are no immediate complications. Patients are able to go home the same day.
2. Pain Management: Some discomfort or soreness and bruising at the incision site is normal, and you may be prescribed pain medication for the first few days. However, patients should find that their back pain is significantly reduced or eliminated immediately after the procedure.
3. Activity Restrictions: While many patients return to normal activities within a few days, you will be advised to avoid heavy lifting, twisting motions, or high-impact activities for at least a few weeks.
4. Follow-up Appointments: You will have follow-up visits with your doctor to monitor your recovery and ensure that the vertebra is healing properly. Imaging tests like X-rays may be used to confirm that the cement has hardened and the vertebra is stable.
5. Physical Therapy: Depending on your overall health and recovery, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the spine and improve flexibility.
Long-Term Outlook
For most patients, balloon kyphoplasty provides long-term relief from the pain and instability caused by vertebral compression fractures. However, the procedure does not cure underlying conditions like osteoporosis or cancer. To maintain spinal health and prevent further fractures, your doctor may recommend ongoing treatment, including:
- Medications to improve bone density, such as parathyroid hormone blockers, bisphosphonates, calcium and vitamin D supplements.
- Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and fall prevention measures.
- Regular monitoring of bone health and spine condition.
Contact EMISS to Schedule Your Procedure
Balloon kyphoplasty is a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment for vertebral compression fractures, particularly in patients who suffer from osteoporosis, cancer, or spinal trauma. The procedure can provide significant pain relief, improve spinal stability, and enhance quality of life. If you are considering balloon kyphoplasty, it is essential to discuss your symptoms and medical history with your doctor to determine if this treatment is right for you. With proper care and follow-up, balloon kyphoplasty can help restore mobility and reduce pain, allowing you to regain your independence and enjoy daily activities.
To learn how you can benefit from balloon kyphoplasty and patient-centered care your neurosurgical and spinal problems, call Endoscopic & Minimally Invasive Spine Specialists today, or book an appointment online.
