Photo courtesy of Summit Orthopedics
A compression fracture is a break of a vertebra or bone in the spine, which commonly occurs in patients with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that lessens the density of bones, causing them to be weaker, which can then lead to high risk for compression fractures. Patients experiencing this type of fracture will need Kyphoplasty surgery.
How does Kyphoplasty work? When done at Huffman Clinic, Kyphoplasty can be fully completed with you on your way in about an hour and a half. You can still eat beforehand and won’t even need to change into a gown if you wear proper clothing. Before coming into the office, you’ll be prescribed a mild pain medication or sedative, as well as an antibiotic. You’ll need a driver to and from the procedure – though it is short in time, you will still be affected by the medicine and will need someone to facilitate your coming and going.
What happens during the procedure? Once prepped, the treatment itself is rather simple. Dr. Huffman will insert a large needle to tap into the fractured bone, put in a balloon to make space in that bone and possibly restoring lost height of the compression fracture. Once complete, the balloon is removed and bone cement, which hardens quickly, is injected into that space and the needle is then taken out. The incision is sealed with skin glue and once it’s dry and you are ready, you may go home.
The procedure is done the same way in a hospital, but the stay is longer, due to their registration and check in/check out process, as well as getting you set up with an IV and anesthesia. You also cannot eat or drink beforehand, because of the anesthesia. This is a safer route for those who aren’t as healthy or may need the anesthesia in order to undergo the treatment.
Take it easy after your Kyphoplasty treatment, using ice and rest to relieve pain, as well as any medication you were taking beforehand. Physical therapy maybe also be needed to help gain your strength back, or if pain hasn’t subsided. Kyphoplasty best treats compression fractures that are more recent, ones that have occurred within a couple months of the procedure, because after that, fractures tend to heal and it won’t generally help to relieve pain.
If you are suffering from a compression fracture, please come in to see us to discuss if Kyphoplasty is the treatment for you. Call or fill out our intake form today.