Kyphoplasty

Most fractures of the spine are treated with bed rest until the pain goes away. Pain medicines, back braces and physical therapy may also be used. For some patients, doctors may prescribe a medicine called calcitonin. It appears to help make the bone stronger. Sometimes, patients may need surgery to secure the spine using a bone graft or an internal metal device. A treatment called kyphoplasty may help hold the fractured bone in place and relieve pain.

Percutaneous kyphoplasty is a procedure that involves placing a small needle into the crushed bone. The doctor guides the needle into position using special X-ray equipment, so open surgery isn’t necessary. Once the needle is in position, a bone cement is injected into the bone to secure it. Several crushed bones can be treated at the same time. The procedure generally takes about one hour for each bone that is treated. It is usually done using only numbing medicine (local anesthetic). Some patients who are in severe pain may need extra medicine to make them sleepy. Usually, patients can leave the hospital a few hours after the procedure is done.

Many patients feel pain relief right away after kyphoplasty. Most report that their pain is gone or is much better within 48 hours. Most patients resume normal activity within 24 hours.

Kyphoplasty is safe. The bone cement used to secure the broken bone is safe. Patients with tumors on the spine may be at slightly higher risk of complications. You should always discuss the risks of any procedure with your doctor.

If you have significant back pain caused by a broken bone in your back, and the pain is not better after 1 to 2 weeks of bed rest and pain control medicine, talk to your doctor about whether kyphoplasty is right for you. Newer fractures tend to respond better than older fractures; however, some older fractures can be treated successfully. The procedure does not help with chronic back pain or herniated discs.