How minimally invasive kyphoplasty treats painful vertebral fractures, prevents further complications

A happy senior couple after getting kyphoplasty treatment.

Kyphosis refers to the collapse of the bones of the spine. This condition can cause you to appear hunched over and may also affect your breathing and gastrointestinal function. At The Hemlock Pain Center, located in Macon, Warner Robins, Dublin, and Milledgeville, Georgia, we offer kyphoplasty to help prevent this potentially serious condition from developing. In turn, this procedure protects your spine from life-altering complications associated with compression fractures.

What is kyphoplasty?

This minimally invasive procedure treats painful compression fractures or breaks in the bones of the spine (your vertebrae). Instead of an incision or cut, treatment is performed through a very small puncture in your skin.

Am I a good candidate for kyphoplasty?

You may be if your vertebrae are fractured or broken due to thin, weak bones (osteoporosis) or spinal trauma. We have also treated patients with pathological fractures caused by conditions such as spinal tumors and multiple myelomas. Kyphoplasty can free you from painful, worsening back pain that may also inhibit your ability to move or function properly. As noted, it also protects the compression fracture from becoming worse and leading to kyphosis. Since kyphosis causes the vertebrae to collapse, severe cases can cause everything from balance issues to shortness of breath and bladder or bowel incontinence.

How is kyphoplasty performed?

Our board-certified anesthesiologists and pain management specialists, Drs Stephen N. Tafor and Sandeep Datta, may give you moderate sedation or anesthesia. While on your stomach, a hollow needle or trocar is inserted through the skin to access the affected vertebrae. We use special X-rays or fluoroscopy to precisely guide the trocar into the correct position. Once placed, an inflatable device is introduced to the spinal bone through the trocar. As the device is inflated, it opens up extra space for us to inject bone cement. The cement supports healthy vertebral height and prevents the further collapse of the bones. Since this device is often described as “balloon-like,” kyphoplasty is sometimes called “balloon kyphoplasty.”

Is there a lot of preparation beforehand?

Before your treatment, you will generally undergo a physical exam and spinal X-ray. We will also discuss any recent illnesses, allergies, and medications you may be taking which could affect your procedure. You will be provided instructions on how to prepare that are specific to how you answered our questions about medications or comorbidities. As needed, you may need to stop taking certain medications or incorporate new ones. You should not eat or drink anything for at least three hours beforehand. Arrive at one of our offices in loose, comfortable clothing. Leave the jewelry at home.

A man is recovering after kyphoplasty treatment.
A happy senior couple running together after receiving kyphoplasty treatment.

And how should I take care of myself afterward?

Just as we did to prepare your body for treatment, we will review post-treatment instructions with you. While you can go home the same day and get back to your regular activities, it is essential to arrange for someone to drive you (due to the lingering effects of sedation/anesthesia), and we ask that you avoid heavy lifting and other vigorous physical activities. Give your bones some time to heal. As you heal, showers may be recommended instead of baths. We will also advise you when to remove the bandage placed over the treatment site.

Kyphoplasty has a high success rate, with an estimated 92% of patients reporting better pain relief post-treatment. To begin feeling better and avoiding severe complications that affect the health of your whole body, speak with a patient care coordinator at The Hemlock Pain Center today. To reach one of our four offices, call Macon (478) 475-2385, Warner Robins (478) 997-6444, Dublin (478) 800-3745, or Milledgeville, GA (478) 280-4670.