As age catches up with us, our bones tend to become more brittle and susceptible to fractures. Osteoporosis is one condition that can lead to compression fractures, characterized by a collapsed vertebra. Although these fractures are most common in the thoracic spine (middle back), they can also occur in the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spine.
A compression fracture occurs when the spinal vertebrae collapse due to pressure. As aforementioned, this can be caused by osteoporosis, cancer, or other conditions that weaken the bones. Symptoms of a compression fracture include back pain, loss of height, and a hunched-over posture. Compression fractures can be treated using kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive treatment.
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat compression fractures of the spine. It is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning the patient can go home the same day. The goal of kyphoplasty is to stop the pain caused by the fracture and to restore some or all of the lost vertebral height.
Read on to learn more about kyphoplasty.
Table of Contents
How Does a Compression Fracture Affect You?
A compression fracture can cause the vertebrae to collapse, which can lead to a loss of height. The collapsed vertebra may also put pressure on the nerves, causing pain. In some cases, the pain may be severe enough to limit your ability to move or even breathe.
Your quality of life may greatly deteriorate. If, for instance, you enjoyed taking advantage of Springbok casino no deposit bonus codes in your spare time, you may no longer be able to do so if the pain is too severe. The good news, kyphoplasty can help!
How Kyphoplasty can Help
Kyphoplasty can provide significant relief from the pain caused by a compression fracture. It can also restore some or all of the lost vertebral height.
It is usually performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia (epidural). The orthopaedic surgeon makes a little incision in the back and inserts a needle into the broken bone. A narrow tube, called a cannula, is inserted through the needle. Once the cannula is in place, a balloon is inserted and inflated. This creates a cavity within the bone. The balloon is then deflated and removed.
Next, bone cement is injected into the cavity. The cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the bone. The cannula and needle are then removed, and the incision is closed with sutures. The entire procedure usually takes less than two hours.
When to Consider Kyphoplasty
In some cases, vertebral compression fractures can heal without treatment. However, if the pain is severe or does not improve after a few weeks, kyphoplasty may be recommended. Kyphoplasty can also be used to treat fractures that have failed to heal with non-surgical treatments such as bed rest, pain medication, and bracing.
Kyphoplasty may also be recommended if you have a fracture that has caused the vertebrae to collapse by more than 25%. This can result in a deformity called kyphosis or a hunched-over posture. Kyphoplasty can help restore some of the lost height and improve your appearance.
Risks of Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is generally a safe procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks involved. These include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Blood clots
- Nerve damage
- Allergic reactions to the cement
You can help reduce your risk of complications by choosing a surgeon who is experienced in performing kyphoplasty.
How to Prepare for Kyphoplasty
Like any other procedure, whether invasive or non-invasive, it is best to be as prepared as possible. Here are some things you can do:
• Choose a surgeon: Once you have decided to have kyphoplasty, the next step is to find a qualified surgeon who has experience performing the procedure. You can ask your regular doctor for a recommendation or search for a surgeon on your own.
• Get a second opinion: Before having kyphoplasty, it is a good idea to get a second opinion from another doctor. This will help ensure that kyphoplasty is the best treatment option for you.
• Stop taking certain medications: If you are taking blood thinners or osteoporosis medication, your doctor will ask you to stop taking them a few days before your procedure to prevent excessive bleeding during surgery.
• Arrange for a ride home: Kyphoplasty is usually performed under general anesthesia, which means you won’t be able to drive yourself home after the procedure. You’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home.
Recovery After Kyphoplasty
Most people can go home on the same day after their kyphoplasty procedure. You will be given pain medication to help manage any discomfort you may feel. Moving around as soon as possible after your procedure is important to prevent blood clots from forming in your legs. You will likely need to take it easy for several days before slowly returning to your normal activities.
Conclusion
Compression fractures brought on by cancer, osteoporosis, or other illnesses that weaken bones can be treated with kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive operation. If you have been diagnosed with a compression fracture, talk to your doctor about whether kyphoplasty is right for you.
For the best results, it is imperative to choose a surgeon who is experienced in performing the procedure. Recovery times vary with whole body cryotherapy, but most people can return to their normal activities within a few days.
