Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment for vertebral compression fractures most often caused by osteoporosis. These fractures mainly occur in post-menopausal women and result in back pain that can grow quite severe.

Until now, there was very little that could be done for this debilitating condition. Our orthopaedic spine and neuorsurgeons have extensive experience in performing this “percutaneous” procedure. With kyphoplasty, surgeons use x-ray guidance to insert two needles into the fractured vertebrae. Through these needles, a balloon is inflated to help restore the lost vertebral height and create a cavity in the bone. The cavity is then filled with bone cement which stabilizes the fracture as it hardens.

Pain relief generally takes up to 48 to 72 hours after the procedure, but some patients experience a significant reduction in pain immediately. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes per vertebral level and usually requires an overnight stay in the hospital.

Kyphoplasty may also be used to treat painful spinal fractures associated with metastatic cancer, multiple myeloma and other bone lesions such as vertebral hemangiomas.

Call 215-481-BONE today to find an Institute orthopaedic spine surgeon or neurosurgeon.