During kyphoplasty, a small incision is made in the back, and a special balloon device is inserted through the incision and into the fractured vertebrae. The balloon is then inflated, creating a space in the vertebrae.
Next, bone cement is injected into the space to stabilize the vertebrae and provide support. The procedure takes about an hour and is performed under local or general anesthesia.
Spinal fractures can result in severe back pain and may occur due to various reasons such as osteoporosis, trauma, cancer, and degenerative disc disease.
Some signs and symptoms of a vertebral fracture include:
- Limited spinal mobility
- Sudden onset of neck and back pain
- An increase in pain intensity while walking or standing
- A decrease in pain intensity when you lie on your back
- A hunched-forward posture
- Lost height
Injury Medicine offers Kyphoplasty services in Camden, South Carolina, to stabilize the spine, restore lost height due to fractures, and provide pain relief. Our specialists are experienced and available for consultation. Schedule your appointment by calling 864-866-PAIN today.
How Does Kyphoplasty Work?
If you have confirmed vertebral fractures and reduced bone density, conservative treatments may be recommended. However, if these treatments are not sufficient, we may suggest kyphoplasty to relieve your pain.
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that involves a small skin puncture instead of a larger incision. It typically takes 1 to 2 hours per vertebra and aims to restore lost vertebral height, eliminate back pain, and stabilize any fractured vertebra.
At Injury Medicine in Camden, SC, we ensure that our patients are well-prepared before the procedure by informing them of the specific requirements and expectations before, during, and after the surgery.
Before
Before undergoing kyphoplasty at Injury Medicine, you will receive a comprehensive medical consultation to understand how the procedure can relieve your pain. We will contact you before the procedure to provide instructions on how to prepare for it.
We will give you essential instructions to follow before coming to our clinic, and we expect you to arrive at least three hours before the scheduled time. It is necessary to fast for eight hours before the procedure, but you should drink clear liquids to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol, milk, or orange juice.
If you are taking any medications, inform us in advance. If you are on blood thinners or have diabetes, you will need specific instructions from your doctor. At Injury Medicine, we will guide you through every step of the process to ensure a successful outcome.
During
During the surgery, you will be positioned face down on the operating table, and a local anesthetic will be applied to the affected area. An antibiotic will also be administered to reduce the risk of infection.
The surgeon will then make a small incision and insert a narrow tube using a fluoroscope to guide it to the location of the fracture. A small balloon will be inflated to create a cavity within the bone and elevate the fractured vertebra. After the balloon is removed, medical-grade cement will be injected into the cavity to stabilize the vertebra and restore the height and space of the spine.
If more than one fracture is present, the procedure may take longer than an hour. Overall, kyphoplasty is a safe and effective procedure that can provide significant pain relief and improve your quality of life.
After
After the Kyphoplasty procedure, we will monitor your recovery in a dedicated recovery room to ensure you have no adverse reactions to the anesthesia. If everything is okay, you can go home on the same day, but we recommend arranging for someone else to drive you.
If you experience any soreness or swelling around the injection site, we recommend using ice packs for 20 minutes each hour. It’s essential to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your doctor to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
At Injury Medicine, we’ll follow up with you to ensure you’re healing properly. Because Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, you can expect less pain and a faster recovery time than traditional open surgery.
Call us at 864-866-PAIN to schedule your initial examination.
What Are the Potential Risks of Kyphoplasty?
Some risks associated with kyphoplasty procedure may include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, spinal cord injury, allergic reaction to anesthesia, or cement leakage. However, these risks are relatively rare and can be managed with proper preoperative preparation and postoperative care.
- Bone Cement Leakage: Possible risk of bone cement leaking into the surrounding tissues exists during or after the Kyphoplasty procedure.
- Paralysis: Spine surgery may cause nerve or cord damage leading to numbness or paralysis.
- Pain persistence: Kyphoplasty can sometimes fail to relieve pain or even make it worse due to the possibility of bone cement leakage.
- Pulmonary Embolism:If bone cement leaks into a vertebral vein during a kyphoplasty procedure, it can travel to the lungs and cause an artery to become obstructed. This is a potential risk associated with the procedure.
- Bone Cement Allergic Reaction: Kyphoplasty agents, such as the bone cement (PMMA) or the solution used to visualize the balloon via x-ray, can cause an allergic reaction in some patients.
When kyphoplasty is performed by trained and experienced physicians, such as those at Injury Medicine who use X-ray guidance, the risks associated with the procedure are significantly reduced. Our specialists have a wealth of experience in performing the procedure and take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our patients.
Choose Injury Medicine for Your Kyphoplasty in Camden, SC!
Chronic pain resulting from spinal injury can significantly impact daily activities like walking and cooking, and can worsen without appropriate treatment.Â
At Injury Medicine, we understand the debilitating effects of chronic pain and offer a multidisciplinary approach to develop customized treatment plans for our patients. Our experienced specialists in Camden exclusively deal with pain-related issues and prioritize patient safety and well-being.Â
Contact us at 864-866-PAIN to learn how our kyphoplasty procedure can alleviate pain from vertebral fractures.
