Osteoporosis is a condition that causes your bones to become weak and brittle, which can lead to painful fractures. The vertebrae in your spine are the most common places these osteoporosis-related compression fractures occur. Treatment for this type of fracture may involve kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive surgical procedure.
At the Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico, Dr. Omar Osmani and our team offer a variety of orthopedic treatments, including kyphoplasty, to our patients in New Mexico. Dr. Osmani is a highly trained orthopedic and spine specialist with many years of experience treating spinal fractures.
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that treats vertebral compression fractures in your spine. You receive anesthesia to sedate you for the procedure.
Once you’re comfortable, Dr. Osmani uses fluoroscopy, a live X-Ray, to visualize the fracture. He then inserts a needle into your back in the area of the vertebral fracture.
After the needle is in place, Dr. Osmani inflates a tiny balloon that restores the shape and height of the damaged vertebrae. He then deflates and removes the balloon and injects a surgical cement into the vertebral space to keep the correct shape and height permanently.
When the cement is in place, Dr. Osmani removes the needle from your back and places a small dressing at the site. After a short recovery period, you should be able to go home the same day.
Kyphoplasty is considered when you have severe pain directly related to a vertebral compression fracture. When your pain continues to get worse and affects your mobility, kyphoplasty might be the best option.
It is important to understand, though, that your pain must be related to the fracture and not other problems. If you have a vertebral compression fracture along with a herniated disc, kyphoplasty isn’t the best option for your pain.
Likewise, pain that’s related to arthritis or spinal stenosis in conjunction with a fracture isn’t resolved well by kyphoplasty surgery.
If you have osteoporosis and have at least one vertebral fracture that’s impacting your daily activities, this procedure is often very helpful in relieving discomfort and restoring mobility.
There are a number of benefits that come with kyphoplasty surgery. First, it’s minimally invasive, and usually doesn’t even require an incision. The tiny insertion holes from the needle are the only open areas created during the procedure.
Since kyphoplasty is minimally invasive, it also cuts down on your risk of infection. The procedure often takes about 45 minutes or so, and you’re able to walk about an hour after the procedure.
Kyphoplasty isn’t as painful as other forms of surgery because there’s little tissue damage from the needles and balloon. This makes it easy to get back on your feet and decreases the amount of pain medication you need.
Once the cement sets and the vertebra is set back to its normal height, your pain should be relieved. This allows you to get back to your life and activities relatively quickly with very little rehabilitation.
If you’ve suffered a vertebral compression fracture and need expert treatment, call our office at 575-623-9101 or book an appointment online today.
