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Kyphoplasty

A kyphoplasty may be beneficial when conservative treatments fail to ease the pain from your vertebral compression fracture. Interventional pain management specialist Dr. Joseph Fortin, DO, at Spine Technology and Rehabilitation in Fort Wayne, Indiana, offers many innovative treatments, including kyphoplasty, to help patients get relief from their back pain. To learn more about this minimally invasive surgical procedure, call the office today or book an appointment online.

What is kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is utilized to treat vertebral compression fractures. Your spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae and when the body of the vertebral bone collapses, you have what is called a vertebral compression fracture. While these fractures cause severe back pain, they can also lead to loss of height and spinal deformity.

Vertebral compression fractures typically develop after an injury. Most often seen in people with osteoporosis, this chronic condition weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.

Who needs kyphoplasty?

A  kyphoplasty is needed if you have a vertebral compression fracture that fails to improve with conservative treatment, or if your pain is getting worse and affecting your ability to be mobile.

As an interventional pain management specialist, Dr. Fortin will provide a comprehensive evaluation at Spine Technology and Rehabilitation to determine if a kyphoplasty is the right procedure for you. He will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and reviews the details of your kyphoplasty during your evaluation.

What happens during kyphoplasty?

Since it is a minimally invasive procedure, a kyphoplasty is an outpatient procedure typically performed under general anesthesia.

Using image guidance technology (known as fluoroscopy), Dr. Fortin inserts a small needle into your spine and inflates a surgical balloon near your fracture to raise the vertebra, restoring its height. He then instills bone cement to fill in the space created by the balloon, thereby repairing the fracture.

Following your procedure, you’re taken to the recovery area for monitoring and then discharged home.

How long is recovery after kyphoplasty?

While you will likely experience some soreness after your kyphoplasty, most patients report less pain and improved mobility within 48 hours after the procedure. During your initial consultation Dr. Fortin will review in detail the recovery process, so that you know what to anticipate following the kyphoplasty procedure. Many patients resume their usual active lifestyles after the procedure without pain or reduced mobility.

If you have a compression fracture and wish to resume your usual active lifestyle without pain or reduced mobility, schedule a consultation to learn more about kyphoplasty, call Spine Technology and Rehabilitation today, or book an appointment online.