Why Do I Have Back Pain From Sitting Too Long, And What Do I Do About It? It’s true that when you sit for a long time, you can experience
Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty Chicago, IL
The Condition: Spinal Fractures
Osteoporosis causes more than 700,000 spinal fractures each year in the U.S. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, this is more than twice the annual number of hip fractures.
Spinal fractures can also be caused by cancer, the most common being multiple myeloma, breast, lung and prostate. According to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, the majority of patients with multiple myeloma – some 70 to 95% have progressive metastatic bone disease particularly in the spine, which increases the risk of fractures.
Some spinal fractures may collapse immediately while others collapse over time. Left untreated, one fracture can lead to subsequent fractures, often resulting in a condition called kyphosis, or rounded back. Kyphosis, signified by the dowager’s hump, compresses the chest and abdominal cavity, resulting in serious negative health consequences.
Balloon Kyphoplasty Outcomes
Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive, orthopaedic treatment that stabilizes spinal fractures, thereby reducing pain and correcting vertebral deformity. Studies report the following benefits:
- Correction of vertebral body deformity
- Significant reduction in back pain
- Significant improvement in quality of life
- Significant improvement in mobility, including the ability to perform daily activities such as walking, hobbies and work
- Significant reduction in the number of days per month that a patient remains in bed
The Balloon Kyphoplasty Procedure
- Using a needle and tube, the spine specialist creates a small pathway into the fractured bone. A small, orthopaedic balloon is guided through the tube into the vertebra. The incision site is approximately 1 cm in length.
- The balloon is carefully inflated in an attempt to raise the collapsed vertebra and return it to its normal position. Inflation of the balloon creates a void (cavity) in the vertebral body.
- Once the vertebra is in the correct position, the balloon is deflated and removed.
- The cavity is filled with bone cement forming an “internal cast” to support the surrounding bone and prevent further collapse.
- Generally, the procedure is done on both sides of the vertebral body.
The Balloon Kyphoplasty procedure typically takes about one hour per fracture and may require an overnight hospital stay. The procedure can be done using either local or general anesthesia; the surgeon will determine the most appropriate method, based on the patient’s overall condition.
In most cases, Medicare provides coverage for Balloon Kyphoplasty. Other insurance plans often also cover the procedure.
Kyphoplasty Video
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are both procedures used to treat spinal fractures. If you’re experiencing pain due to a spinal fracture, our services of Pain Management in Chicago can help. We offer both kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, so we can find the best treatment for your individual needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help relieve your pain.
What is Vertebroplasty?
Vertebroplasty is a procedure that offers relief to patients suffering prolonged and debilitating pain from compression fractures in the spinal vertebrae. It involves injecting bone cement into the vertebrae to stabilize fractures, and results in significant pain relief and restoration of mobility in many patients.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get over kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in about an hour (per level) to treat a fracture. The recovery time is typically short, with most patients being able to return to their normal activities within a few days. However, in general, it depends on the extent of the fracture and the patient’s overall health.
What kind of anesthesia is used during the procedure?
During the kyphoplasty procedure, the surgeon will determine if local or general anesthesia is more appropriate for the patient based on the patient’s overall condition. Local anesthesia numbs the area around the fracture, while general anesthesia puts the patient to sleep. Either type of anesthesia can be used for the kyphoplasty procedure.
What are the benefits of kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty helps stabilize the spine and can relieve pain for patients who have suffered a vertebral compression fracture. The procedure can also help to improve the patient’s posture and prevent the fracture from getting worse. It further corrects the deformity caused by the fracture, which can help improve the patient’s quality of life.
What not do after kyphoplasty?
After kyphoplasty, it is important for the patient to avoid strenuous activity, bending, lifting, or twisting for at least six weeks. These activities can put undue pressure on the spine and may cause the fracture to worsen. It is also important that you regularly follow up with us to ensure that the fracture is healing properly.