What to Expect During Your Kyphoplasty Procedure: A Patient’s Guide
Dealing with severe back pain or spinal fractures can be overwhelming, especially if these issues are affecting your daily life. In many cases, a kyphoplasty treatment doctor can be recommended for kyphoplasty to help relieve pain and restore spinal stability.
Kyphoplasty is a procedure for individuals who suffer from vertebral compression fractures, often due to osteoporosis or injury. If you’re considering kyphoplasty or your kyphoplasty treatment doctor has suggested it, here’s a straightforward guide on what to expect.
What is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to stabilize fractured vertebrae, relieve pain, and restore vertebral height. In the procedure, a kyphoplasty treatment doctor inserts a small balloon into the fractured vertebra.
A unique bone cement is then poured into the space created by inflating the balloon. The cement hardens quickly and stabilizes the vertebra to relieve pain.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before the procedure, your kyphoplasty treatment doctor will review your medical history and may request some imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to pinpoint the exact location and severity of the fracture. Here’s what to expect in the preparation stage:
Consultation and Medical Evaluation: During the initial consultation, you’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you’re taking. Your kyphoplasty treatment doctor may advise you to avoid certain medications, especially blood thinners, a few days before the procedure.
Imaging Tests: To determine the exact location of the fractured vertebra, your doctor may order imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan. By using these tests, you can make sure that kyphoplasty is the best course of action for your condition.
During the Kyphoplasty Procedure
Since kyphoplasty is typically done as an outpatient procedure, you can return home the same day. Here’s a step-by-step procedure of what happens during a kyphoplasty surgery:
- Anesthesia: You’ll receive local or general anesthesia, depending on your kyphoplasty treatment doctor’s recommendation.
- Inserting the Needle: Once you’re comfortable, the kyphoplasty treatment doctor will make a small incision on your back and insert a narrow tube into the fractured vertebra using imaging guidance. This step ensures that the doctor is placing the tube in the correct location.
- 3. Balloon Inflation: After positioning the tube, the kyphoplasty treatment doctor will insert a small balloon through it and inflate it gently. This balloon creates a cavity in the vertebra, restoring some of its original height and shape.
- Bone Cement Injection: Once the cavity is made, the doctor will remove the balloon and inject bone cement into the space. The cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the fracture. The entire procedure usually takes about an hour for each vertebra treated.
- Closing the Incision: Finally, the doctor will remove the tube and close the small incision. The procedure leaves minimal scarring, and you’ll typically have a small bandage over the incision site.
After the Procedure: Recovery and Care
After kyphoplasty, many patients feel immediate pain relief, while others may notice gradual improvement over a few days. Your recovery from kyphoplasty may include:
Rest and Movement: Although you might feel some soreness around the incision site, most people can walk and move around shortly after the procedure. It’s essential to follow your kyphoplasty treatment doctor’s instructions regarding activity limits, usually avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a few days.
Pain Management: Some patients may experience mild pain or discomfort after the procedure. Your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, if needed.
Follow-Up Appointment: Your kyphoplasty treatment doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to check your progress. During this visit, you can discuss any concerns and ask questions about resuming regular activities.
Kyphoplasty can be a highly effective solution for individuals struggling with vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis or trauma. If you’re experiencing severe back pain or spinal instability, talk to your kyphoplasty treatment doctor to see if this procedure is suitable for your situation.
