Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a procedure performed in attempt to reduce pain associated with an acute lumbar or thoracic compression fracture.

This procedure is performed by placing a needle through a bone called the pedicle and into the vertebral body where the site of the broken vertebrae exists. A cavity is then created with either a curette or a balloon so cement can be delivered to the area of the fracture.  

Once this cavity is produced a small amount of bone cement is injected through the needle to fill the created cavity and the fracture lines and reduce the level of pain associated with the fracture. 

Fractures do heal on their own in almost all cases without intervention but if the pain is intolerable or there is a high risk of complications from prolonged pain then this technique can be attempted to reduce pain more quickly.  Some examples of complications that can occur from prolonged pain with compression fractures include deconditioning or blood clots from being sedentary or pneumonia from limited ability to take deep breaths or cough.

If you choose not to proceed with kyphoplasty then conservative care is mostly a combination of wearing a supportive brace and giving the broken vertebrae time to heal.  Patients who sustain such fractures especially in the absence of significant trauma are recommended that they follow up with their primary care physician for testing of their bone strength and possible treatment for weak bones. 

Pre Injections Instructions

If you are anxious about your procedure, sedation may be an option for you.
If your plan of care involves sedation, you must meet the following criteria:

01

Come to your appointment with a responsible adult driver.

02

Fast for at least 6-8 hours prior to our appointment time. Morning medications can be taken with a sip of water no later than 2 hours prior to you appointment time. Exceptions may include diabetic medications, in this case please call the office for specific instructions.

03

If you are taking blood thinners or supplements, we may ask that you discontinue them prior to your procedure. Never stop these medications without approval from the physician prescribing them.

If you are taking blood thinners your pain physician may ask they be discontinued prior to injection.  Never stop these medications without permission from the physician prescribing them. Please call our office if your blood thinner is not listed:

  • Acenocoumarol
  • Agggrenox
  • Aggrastat   
  • Arixtra
  • Aspirin
  • Brilinta
  • Edoxaparin
  • Effient
  • Eliquis
  • Heparin
  • Integrilin
  • Lovenox
  • Pentoxil
  • Plavix
  • Pletal 
  • Pradaxa
  • ReoPro
  • Ticlid
  • Warfarin/Coumadin
  • Xarelto

If you are taking any supplements such as Fish Oil, Garlic, Ginseng, Vitamin A&E, Ginger, Kava Kava, Clove, White Willow bark, or Gingko please stop these 7 days prior to your procedure.

Start the Path Towards Healing

Our physicians offer ​diagnostic testing, fluoroscopic guided procedures and steroid injections. Our goal is to restore function of damaged joints, nerves, and muscles to treat low back, neck, and other pain. Our mission is to have all patients living their lives with minimal pain and to meet each of our patients’ needs with the highest quality care. We offer innovative solutions utilizing the latest, minimally invasive technologies.