Kyphoplasty / Vertebroplasty

What is a kyphoplasty procedure?

Injection of bone cement into the body of fractured vertebra is kyphoplasty.

Is kyphoplasty a major surgery?

It is a minimally invasive surgery but none the less a major surgical procedure.

How long does it take to do a kyphoplasty?

In the hands of experienced surgeon kyphoplasty takes less than an hour.

What is the success rate of kyphoplasty?

Pain relief and improvement in quality of life is seen in about 75% – 90% of the patients.

Who is a candidate for kyphoplasty?

Pain arising from the vertebral fracture alone is relieved by kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty. Pain from other factors such as disc herniation, infection or tumour is not relieved.

How dangerous is kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a very safe surgical procedure when the operating surgeon is properly trained and experienced. As with other major surgical procedures, serious complications may occur in rare cases.

Is kyphoplasty painful?

As kyphoplasty is not a majorly invasive surgery, pain is relieved early.

When can I drive after kyphoplasty?

As soon the pain is relieved in few days, patient can drive a car with back rest.

Who is not a candidate for kyphoplasty?

When pain is due to reasons other than the vertebral fracture and when pain is getting better with non-surgical measures.

How long does it take to heal after kyphoplasty?

Most patients report significant improvement in pain within 2 days of kyphoplasty.

Can kyphoplasty be done on old fractures?

Best results in kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty is obtained when osteoporotic fracture is treated early. Kyphoplasty is usually done in fractures less than 4 months old.

What is the difference between a vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty?

Both kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures. In vertebroplasty bone cement is injected directly into the bone of fractured vertebra. In kyphoplasty first the height of the fractured vertebra is restored by inflating a balloon hence also called balloon kyphoplasty. Once the height is restored then cement is injected into the inflated bone.

What is bone cement made of?

Bone cement is polymethyl meth acrylate. It is used elsewhere in joint replacement surgeries to fix implant to the bone.

How long does it take for a compression fracture to stop hurting?

If neglected, pain from a vertebral compression fracture may trouble for up to 6 months.

Can kyphoplasty be redone?

If not much cement was injected during the first procedure, it can be redone to restore the hight and more cement can be injected.

Can I exercise after kyphoplasty?

Patient can start walking as soon as he/she feels comfortable after surgery. Most patients start usually on the same day of surgery. Strenuous exercises are avoided.

What should I avoid with a compression fracture?

Once a compression fracture signifies severe osteoporosis. Care must be taken to avoid falls which may cause fractures of other bones as well. Medications and dietary vitamin D and calcium must be taken.

How long does it take to do vertebroplasty?

vertebroplasty usually takes about half an hour.

How long one has to stay in the hospital after kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty can be done as day care procedure where the patient is discharged the same evening.