What to Expect Before, During, and After Kyphoplasty

If your back pain is connected to a spinal compression fracture that’s refused to heal, kyphoplasty may be the answer. Most patients who are good candidates for kyphoplasty have bones weakened by osteoporosis or cancer, or have suffered a fracture of a spinal bone in their past.

If this sounds like you, and you’re still bent over and in pain, it might be time to find out if kyphoplasty is right for you.  

At Apex Endovascular, located in Fort Collins, Colorado, Dr. Shawn Ahmed can determine if kyphoplasty can treat your spine fracture. If so, here’s what to expect.

Kyphoplasty basics

Kyphoplasty is also known as balloon vertebroplasty. Dr. Ahmed inserts a fine needle into your back at the point of the damaged vertebrae. He inflates a small balloon inside your spine, creating space to relieve pressure on nerves, then fills the space with cement to create a repair that can straighten, correct, and strengthen your spine.  

What to expect when you have kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a fairly swift procedure, but proper diagnostics beforehand are critical, and you’ll need to know what to plan for on the day of and immediately following your procedure.

Prior to kyphoplasty

Dr. Ahmed takes X-rays to ensure your condition is properly diagnosed, and decides if kyphoplasty will work for you. The sooner you make an appointment and schedule treatment, the higher the chances of kyphoplasty success, so don’t delay if you’ve been told you have a spinal compression fracture.  

During kyphoplasty

Dr. Ahmed performs this procedure while you’re under anesthesia. He inserts the needle using guided X-ray, inflates the balloon, injects the cement, then deflates the balloon and removes the needle.   

Post-kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure, and there’s no cutting or incision, so you won’t need stitches. You’ll probably be able to go home the same day or the day after. You should notice a marked improvement in your pain levels in the first few days after your kyphoplasty.   

Efficacy of kyphoplasty  

The results of a study of 350 patients who reported an average pain rating of 8.7 on a scale of 0-10 before kyphoplasty are promising. Three months post-procedure, the researchers sent out a survey. The 293 respondents reported an average pain rating of only 2.7—a full six point drop. 

Results do vary depending on the condition of your spine, your overall health and weight, and other factors, but the likelihood of kyphoplasty working for you is high if Dr. Ahmed determines you’re a good candidate.   

To learn more about kyphoplasty as a treatment for compression fractures, schedule a consultation with the team at Apex Endovascular by calling 970-508-8439, or book an appointment online.