Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive back surgery procedure that can be done either under local or general anesthetic. The procedure is similar to vertebroplasty, but is more extensive. This procedure is used to correct spinal fractures demonstrating a loss of stability in one or more levels or when the actual vertebra has collapsed.

Kyphoplasty

This procedure involves a small incision in the back. The orthopedic surgeon views the procedure under live X-ray (fluoroscopy). A balloon catheter is inserted into the fracture. The catheter is positioned carefully into the area that has collapsed. The catheter is then inflated using liquid. This inflation re-creates the space lost by the collapsed vertebra. After this space has been created, the catheter is carefully removed, leaving the open space. A needle is inserted into the open cavity. This open area is now filled with special cement called PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate acrylic cement). This cement hardens quickly, providing spinal stability in the fractured and collapsed level almost immediately. The needle is withdrawn and the incision closed.

Risks of Kyphoplasty

This procedure involves the standard back surgery risks and potential complications, such as bleeding or infection. There is also increased chance of nerve damage from usage of the inflatable catheter. There are specific risks in this procedure that involve the PMMA cement. This material is not approved by the FDA. So far, no substance has passed federal safety testing for injection into a vertebral bone. There is a moderate risk of leakage of the cement, prior to it hardening. There is a greater chance of this occurring with this procedure than with vertebroplasty, since the area to be filled is larger. If it does leak, it can compress the spinal nerves, causing serious neurological problems. It is also possible for the cement to get into the circulatory system, causing heart or lung problems, or even death.

Recommendation for Kyphoplasty

This is an excellent minimally invasive back surgery procedure for correcting serious vertebral fractures. The success rate is close to 90%. This procedure is most often used when the fracture is large and has caused the vertebrae to collapse. For less extensive fractures, vertebroplasty may be a better option. Obviously, consider all spinal surgeries as a last resort and make sure to research the procedure and surgeon carefully.

Kyphoplasty to Back Pain Home 7/12/06 Revised 7/10/08