OUR SERVICES
Kyphoplasty
Minimally Invasive Relief for Spinal Fractures
If you are experiencing sudden, sharp back pain following a minor fall, or if you have been diagnosed with a vertebral compression fracture (VCF) due to osteoporosis, kyphoplasty offers a highly effective, minimally invasive solution. At New South Medical, we specialize in advanced spinal stabilization techniques designed to restore vertebral height, alleviate intense pain, and help you regain your mobility without the need for traditional, open back surgery.
What is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is an interventional procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures. During the procedure, our specialists use a specialized balloon to gently create a space within the collapsed vertebra. This space is then filled with a medical-grade bone cement, which hardens quickly to stabilize the fracture, restore the vertebra to its proper height, and eliminate the associated pain.
Conditions We Treat
Kyphoplasty is indicated for patients suffering from fractures that cause significant pain and loss of spinal function. We commonly treat:
Osteoporosis-Related Fractures:
Weakened bones that collapse under the stress of daily activity or minor trauma.
Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCFs):
Acute fractures resulting in spinal deformity, height loss, and chronic back pain.
Metastatic Bone Disease:
Fractures caused by bone lesions or tumors that have weakened the spinal structure.
Multiple Myeloma:
A condition that can increase the risk of bone fragility and spontaneous fractures.
What to Expect During Your Procedure
Safety and precision are at the heart of our care. The entire kyphoplasty procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes per level treated, often allowing patients to return home the same day.
Preparation: You will be positioned comfortably, and the area will be numbed with local or general anesthesia as determined by your provider.
Fluoroscopic Guidance: Using live X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), our specialists guide a small cannula (needle) into the fractured vertebra with exact precision.
Balloon Inflation: A small, inflatable balloon is inserted and carefully expanded. This step restores the height of the collapsed vertebra and creates a cavity for the cement.
Cement Injection: The balloon is removed, and high-strength, medical-grade bone cement is injected into the cavity. It hardens within minutes, providing immediate stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How soon will I feel pain relief?
Many patients report significant or complete pain relief almost immediately following the procedure, once the bone cement has hardened and the spinal stability is restored.
What is the difference between kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty?
While both procedures use bone cement to stabilize the spine, kyphoplasty includes the balloon inflation step. This allows our providers to physically lift the collapsed bone and restore height, which can help correct spinal deformity. Vertebroplasty simply injects cement into the fracture without the height-restoration step.
How long does the recovery take?
Recovery is generally rapid. You will be monitored for a short period after the procedure, and most patients are encouraged to begin walking shortly thereafter. We recommend avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity for the first few weeks as you heal.
Is kyphoplasty permanent?
Yes. The bone cement becomes a permanent part of your vertebral structure, providing long-term stabilization for the treated fracture. While it does not cure the underlying condition (like osteoporosis), it effectively resolves the pain and deformity caused by the specific fracture.