Kyphoplasty

Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure best performed by a neurosurgeon for stabilizing spinal fractures that may reduce back pain, correct angular vertebral deformity and restore vertebral body height.

Kyphoplasty is performed through a hollow needle that is passed through the skin of your back into the fractured vertebra. A balloon is first inserted and inflated to expand the compressed vertebra to its normal height before filling the space with bone cement. The procedures are repeated for each affected vertebra. The cement-strengthened vertebra allows you to stand straight, reduces your pain, and prevents further fractures. Without treatment, the fractures will eventually heal, but in a collapsed position. The benefit of kyphoplasty is that your vertebra is returned to normal position before the bone hardens. Patients who’ve had kyphoplasty report significantly less pain after treatment. The procedure usually takes an hour and patients can be discharged the same day depending on the patient’s overall health status. Pain improvement is seen quickly.