Minimally Invasive
Balloon Kyphoplasty

If you have suffered spinal compression fractures due to osteoporosis, cancer, or related health problems, you may experience tremendous and even debilitating discomfort. Dr. Josey or Dr. Moghimi will evaluate your spine using x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans. With these detailed images, they can determine whether kyphoplasty is the most appropriate treatment for you.

The procedure is suitable for most patients struggling with painful vertebral compression fractures. However, you may not be a candidate if you suffer from a bleeding disorder, bone infection, spinal tumors, or similar issues.

Kyphoplasty may take place under local or general anesthesia. This procedure can be performed as an outpatient procedure, or you may need to spend up to 24 hours in the hospital for observation. These considerations will depend on your overall health and the number of fractures being treated.

During the procedure itself, you will lay on stomach. Your surgeon will use a small, hollow cannula to create a space in your damaged vertebra. Into this opening, he can insert a tiny balloon, inflating it once it is in place. As it expands, the balloon will lift the pieces of your fractured vertebra to the appropriate height. Then your doctor can remove the balloon. He will fill the now hollow cavity with orthopedic cement to keep the bone from collapsing again. You will remain laying down until the cement has a dried, a process that typically only takes minutes The procedure typically takes about one hour per vertebra.

The recovery period after balloon kyphoplasty is relatively quick. Most patients can return to work, household activities, and most of your normal routine immediately after the surgery. However, you should avoid strenuous exercise, especially heavy lifting for about six weeks. Like many patients, you may notice immediate pain reduction following kyphoplasty. In other cases, it may be a day or two before you see any change.

Because balloon kyphoplasty is minimally invasive, the procedure is very safe. Of course, like all surgeries, some risks are involved. One of the biggest concerns is cement leakage, which can damage nearby nerves. The material could also migrate into your blood stream, causing blood clots or pulmonary embolism. Other risks include allergic reaction, heart attack, and stroke. Fortunately, these complications are extremely unlikely, thanks to the expertise of our fellowship-trained spine specialists.