What You Should Know About Kyphoplasty for Compression Fractures

At Pain Management Specialists, located in Rockville and Frederick, Maryland, we specialize in helping patients find relief from chronic pain. One effective treatment we offer is kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that can significantly improve the lives of those suffering from vertebral compression fractures. Here’s what you should know about this procedure.

Understanding kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a procedure that involves stabilizing fractured vertebrae using bone cement. These fractures, often caused by conditions like osteoporosis, result in intense back pain and loss of spinal height. 

During the procedure, a small balloon creates space in the damaged vertebra, which is then filled with bone cement to stabilize the fracture and restore the vertebra's height.

Why is kyphoplasty beneficial?

Kyphoplasty has several advantages, including:

• Providing significant pain relief for many patients

• Improving spine alignment and restoring some lost height
• Supporting a quick recovery and improved function following the procedure

Kyphoplasty is particularly effective in treating fractures caused by osteoporosis or certain cancers that weaken vertebrae.

Are you a candidate for kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is best suited for individuals experiencing severe back pain due to recent vertebral compression fractures. Commonly, these fractures occur without major trauma and can result from weakened bones due to osteoporosis. Some cancers, like myeloma or bone metastases, can also lead to these fractures.

Patients may qualify for kyphoplasty if:

• Back pain severely impacts daily activities
• Imaging studies show recent vertebral fractures
• Non-surgical treatments like bracing or pain medication have not provided sufficient relief

Certain conditions, such as nerve compression or infections, may affect eligibility for kyphoplasty. That’s why our providers thoroughly evaluate your condition with advanced imaging tools like X-rays or MRIs to determine the best solution for your needs. 

What to expect during kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home the same day. It is conducted under sedation or general anesthesia and usually takes 20-40 minutes for each treated vertebra.

Here’s what happens during the procedure:

1. Your provider makes a small incision near the affected area and inserts a narrow tube into the fractured vertebra.
2. A balloon-tipped device creates space in the bone, restoring its height.
3. Your provider fills the space with a special cement that hardens quickly to stabilize the bone.

Many patients experience pain relief within days of the procedure and can resume normal activities soon after.

Why choose Pain Management Specialists?

At Pain Management Specialists, we are dedicated to providing advanced, patient-centered care. Our team is highly experienced in kyphoplasty and other interventional pain management techniques. We take pride in addressing your pain efficiently while providing personalized support.

If chronic back pain from compression fractures is affecting your quality of life, kyphoplasty may be the solution. Learn more about the procedure and our comprehensive pain management services on our kyphoplasty page.

Take the next step toward pain relief

Kyphoplasty offers a safe and effective option to relieve pain and restore mobility after spinal compression fractures. Don’t wait to take control of your health. Schedule an appointment at Pain Management Specialists today and start your path to recovery. Call us or book online now.