Spinal compression fractures are as serious as they sound. Often caused by trauma or osteoporosis, they can generate sudden, sharp back pain that makes even simple movements quite uncomfortable. Coughing can be enough to induce pain. Bending forward and sitting are excruciating. Fortunately, a highly effective procedure known as kyphoplasty can reduce pain significantly and restore lost mobility.
Note that kyphoplasty is only for compression fractures. It is a procedure generally offered by pain medicine specialists, like the doctors at Lone Star Pain Medicine in Weatherford, TX. The procedure is also minimally invasive and conducted in an outpatient setting. Post-procedure, most patients are able to gradually return to normal life with time.
Kyphoplasty: The Basics
So, what is kyphoplasty? Lone Star describes it as a specialized, image-guided treatment that restores compressed vertebrae to their normal size and alignment. In so doing, the procedure takes pressure off compressed nerves that are causing pain. The secret to its success lies in the bone cement used to fill the space left by vertebral collapse.
A compression fracture is a very specific type of fracture. It occurs when a vertebra collapses due to trauma or a weakened internal structure. Kyphoplasty relieves pain by undoing that compression. Here is how the procedure works:
- A small balloon is inserted into the cavity within the compressed vertebra.
- The balloon is inflated until the vertebra is back to its original size and alignment.
- The balloon is removed, leaving an open cavity behind.
- The cavity is filled with fast-setting bone cement for a permanent fix.
The bone cement hardens within minutes. It creates a permanent and stable support structure that relieves pressure on surrounding nerves and brings an immediate end to bone scraping on bone.
Post-Procedure: The First 24-48 Hours
Because kyphoplasty is minimally invasive, recovery time is fairly brief. Most doctors have patients rest in a recovery room for an hour or two after the procedure. Nursing staff will monitor a patient’s vital signs. Within an hour or so, patients are up, walking around, and cleared for discharge.
The experience is typified by three things:
- Rapid Pain Relief – Most patients experience a profound reduction in the deep, structural pain. Baseline back pain tends to be reduced dramatically within the first 24 to 48 hours.
- Incision Soreness – While structural pain is relieved very quickly, many patients still experience injection site soreness for a day or two following the procedure. Bruising and superficial muscle soreness are also normal. Both can be managed with OTC pain relievers and ice packs.
- Restrictions – Patients are generally advised to rest at home for at least one day following kyphoplasty. They are also told to avoid driving, bending, twisting, and lifting heavy objects during the same time period. As their overall health improves, they can begin reintroducing strenuous activities.
Kyphoplasty is offered with very few side effects and complications. Perhaps the biggest risk is cement leakage. Leaked cement could reintroduce pain by putting pressure on surrounding nerves. Fortunately, the risk is low.
Long-Term Expectations
During the 2-6 weeks following the procedure, a patient’s body must adjust to the spine’s restored structural alignment. Surrounding muscles, ligaments, and nerves need time to heal and adapt. Patients are encouraged to engage in light exercise, like daily walks, to prevent muscle stiffness and strengthen the back.
At the 6-week mark, most patients are fully recovered and cleared to return to their normal routines. For the next few months, the focus shifts away from healing in favor of preventing future issues. The goal is to avoid future kyphoplasty procedures by addressing the underlying issue responsible for the original fracture.
