Vertebroplasty / Kyphoplasty
 
 
               
 

A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) occurs when the vertebral body fractures and collapses. Most VCFs are caused by osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become brittle and break easily. Compression fractures can also occur as a result of certain types of cancer or tumors.

Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment in which special balloons are used to gently elevate the bone fragments in an attempt to return them to the correct position. X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)are used to determine the exact location of the fracture before the procedure is performed.

    
               
Performing The Kyphoplasty Procedure

Fig. 1: With a hollow instrument, the surgeon creates a small pathway into the fractured bone. A small balloon is guided through the instrument into the vertebra. The incision site is approximately 1 cm in length.

      
       
         
Fig. 2: Next, the balloon is carefully inflated in an attempt to raise the collapsed vertebra and return it to its normal position. This also creates a space into which the cement can be injected.
Fig. 3: Once the vertebra is in the correct position, the balloon is deflated and removed. This process creates a void (cavity) within the vertebral body. Cement is injected into the cavity.
     

Compared to the standard vertebroplasty procedure, Kyphoplasty adds the introduction and inflation of the balloon. This provides the advantage of allowing the cement to be injected into the space created by the balloon under a lower pressure than would otherwise be required. Kyphoplasty also provides, in some cases, the ability to raise the collapsed vertebra and return it to its normal position.

Your doctor will provide details of the procedure that is right for you as well as the benefits and risks. He will also provide instructions for your care before and after the procedure.

 

  
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