Kyphoplasty

The Kyphoplasty procedure helps correct the bone deformity and relieves the pain associated with spinal compression fractures.

It was designed to treat spinal fractures (separation and weakness of the bone material in the vertebral body). These fractures are often caused by osteoporosis.

Kyphoplasty, also known as balloon vertebroplasty, is a minimally invasive orthopedic surgery that stabilizes spinal fractures, thereby reducing pain and correcting the vertebral deformity. Studies report the following benefits of having the kyphoplasty procedure.

Benefits of the Kyphoplasty Procedure

• Correction of vertebral body deformity
• Significant reduction in back pain
• Improvement in quality of life
• Increased mobility and the ability to perform daily activities
• Reduction in the number of days per month that a patient remains in bed
• Low complication rate (less than 1 percent)

Watch the Kyphoplasty video to understand how it works.

The Kyphoplasty (Balloon Vertebroplasty) Surgery Procedure

The spine specialist will use a needle and a tube to create a small pathway into the fractured bone during the kyphoplasty procedure. A small, orthopedic balloon is guided through the tube into the vertebra. The incision site is approximately 1 cm in length.

During the surgery, the balloon is carefully inflated, in an attempt to raise the collapsed vertebra and return it to its normal position. Inflation of the balloon creates a void, or cavity, in the vertebral body. Once the vertebra is in the correct position, the balloon is deflated and removed. The cavity is then filled with bone cement, forming an “internal cast” to support the surrounding bone and prevent further collapse. The kyphoplasty procedure is generally done on both sides of the vertebral body.

The kyphoplasty procedure typically takes about one hour per fracture and may require an overnight hospital stay. The procedure can be done using either local or general anesthesia; the physician will determine the most appropriate method based on the patient’s overall condition.

Kyphoplasty Surgery Insurance Coverage

In most cases, Medicare provides coverage for the kyphoplasty (balloon vertebroplasty) surgery. Other insurance plans often also cover the kyphoplasty procedure.

The kyphoplasty procedure is not for everyone, and prescription is required. A patient seeking kyphoplasty surgery should consult his/her physician for a full discussion of risks and whether this procedure is recommended.

View other options for Spinal Fracture Repair