Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure because it is performed through a small puncture in the patient’s skin. A kyphoplasty is used to stabilize a spinal fracture and eliminate the pain caused by the fracture. Pain relief is felt immediately following procedure. A kyphoplasty procedure is performed under monitored conscious sedation. A specially formulated acrylic bone cement is injected directly in the fractured vertebra using a biopsy needle under x-ray guidance. The cement begins to harden quickly to stabilize the fracture and the needle is removed. The small puncture in the skin is then covered with a small bandage. The patient must remain lying flat on back after procedure for one hour to allow complete hardening of the cement. Once this is complete, the patient may leave the facility.
About the Procedure
The goals of the kyphoplasty surgical procedure are to stabilize the spinal fracture and to stop the pain caused by the fracture. Kyphoplasty is considered a minimally invasive surgical procedure because the procedure is done through a small puncture in the patient’s skin (as opposed to an open incision).
Recovery from kyphoplasty
For the first 24 hours after your kyphoplasty bed rest is usually recommended. Activities may be increased gradually and most regular medications can be resumed. There may be some soreness for a few days at the puncture site which may be relieved with an ice pack.
Many patients undergoing kyphoplasty experience 90 percent or better reduction in pain within 24-48 hours and increased ability to perform daily activities shortly thereafter.
- After the procedure:
- You will spend 60 minutes laying quietly on your back.
You may experience these conditions lasting three to four hours:
- Warmth, redness and absence of sweating on the extremity of the blocked side
- Numbness, tingling or weakness on the blocked side
You may experience these conditions during the first 24 hours:
- Backache, Muscle spasms, Numbness at the area of injection
- Your injection site may feel sore for one to two days.
- You may develop a bruise at the injection site.
Care following your procedure
- Rest the day of your procedure, and avoid strenuous activity. If you have questions about tour activities, ask your physician or nurse.
- Do not drive for 24 hours after the procedure
- You may shower, but do not use a bathtub, hot tub or whirlpool for two days.
- You may use an ice pack on the injection site for 20 minutes, three or four times during the first 24 hours.
- Do not use heating pads or any other form of continuous heat on the injection site for two days.
- Continue to take your usual medications, unless instructed otherwise.
- Watch your injection site for signs of infection
Call your physician or go to the emergency room if any of the following occur:
— You have a fever (a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius).
— Your injection site becomes red, swollen, tender or warm.
— Fluid drains from the injection site or an odor is present.
Download The Kyphoplasty Instructions.
PATIENT REVIEWS
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
What Can We Do to Ease Your Pain?