Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat painful, compressed vertebral fractures, particularly those caused by osteoporosis. It involves the insertion of a balloon into the fractured vertebra to create a space, which is then filled with bone cement to stabilize the fracture. This procedure can restore the vertebra's height and alleviate pain. Here's an overview of the reasons for kyphoplasty and its types:

Reasons for Kyphoplasty

  1. Vertebral Compression Fractures: Primarily used to treat vertebral compression fractures, often due to osteoporosis, where the bones become brittle and porous.

  2. Osteoporosis: Specifically beneficial for individuals with osteoporosis who have experienced a spinal fracture.

  3. Pain Relief: To alleviate the significant pain associated with compression fractures.

  4. Spinal Stabilization: To stabilize a vertebral fracture and prevent further collapse of the vertebra.

  5. Trauma: In some cases, kyphoplasty is used to treat fractures due to trauma.

  6. Cancer-Related Fractures: Sometimes used for fractures caused by cancer or metastases to the spine.

Types of Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is generally a standardized procedure, but variations can occur based on the tools and techniques used:

  1. Balloon Kyphoplasty: The most common type, involving the insertion of a balloon into the vertebra to lift it back to its normal position. The balloon is then deflated and removed, and the space created is filled with bone cement.

  2. Radiofrequency Kyphoplasty: A variation that uses radiofrequency energy to create a controlled and uniform filling of the vertebral body with bone cement. This method is designed to provide a more precise control over the cement application.

  3. Mechanical Kyphoplasty: Similar to the balloon technique but may use mechanical devices instead of a balloon to create space within the fractured vertebra.

Each method aims to achieve the same goal of stabilizing the fracture, restoring vertebral height, and reducing pain. The choice of technique usually depends on the surgeon's preference, the specific characteristics of the vertebral fracture, and the patient's overall health condition.

It's important for patients to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and to determine the most appropriate treatment option based on their individual medical condition.