Kyphoplasty

Why the Procedure Is Performed

A common cause of compression fractures of the spine is thinning of your bones, or osteoporosis. Your health care provider may recommend this procedure if you have severe and disabling pain for 2 months or more that does not get better with bed rest, pain medicines, and physical therapy.

Your provider may also recommend this procedure if you have a painful compression fracture of the spine due to:

• Cancer, including multiple myeloma
• Injury that caused broken bones in the spine

Risks

Kyphoplasty is generally safe. Complications may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Allergic reactions to medicines
• Breathing or heart problems if you have general anesthesia
• Nerve injuries
• Leakage of the bone cement into surrounding area (this can cause pain if it affects the spine or nerves). Leakage can lead to other treatments to remove the cement.

Before the Procedure

Before surgery, always tell your health care provider:

• If you could be pregnant
• Which drugs you are taking, even those you buy without a prescription
• If you have been drinking a lot of alcohol

During the days before the surgery:

• You may be asked to stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, coumadin (warfarin), and other drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot.
• Ask which drugs you should still take on the day of the surgery.
• If you smoke, try to stop.

On the day of the surgery:

• You will most often be told not to drink or eat anything for several hours before the test.
• Take the drugs your provider told you to take with a small sip of water.
• You will be told when to arrive.

After the Procedure

You will probably go home on the same day of the surgery. You should not drive, unless your provider says it is OK.

After the procedure:

• You should be able to walk. However, it is best to stay in bed for the first 24 hours, except to use the bathroom.
• After 24 hours, slowly return to your regular activities.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks.
• Apply ice to the wound area if you have pain where the needle was inserted.

Outlook (Prognosis)

People who have kyphoplasty often have less pain and a better quality of life after the surgery. They often need fewer pain medicines, and can move better than before.

References

Anselmetti GC, Muto M, Guglielmi G, et al. Percutaneous vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty. Radiol Clin North Am. 2010;48(3):641-9. PMID: 20609898 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20609898.

Berenson J, Pflugmacher R, Jarzem P, et al; Cancer Patient Fracture Evaluation (CAFE) Investigators. Balloon kyphoplasty versus non-surgical fracture management for treatment of painful vertebral body compression fractures in patients with cancer: a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Oncol. 2011;12(3):225-35. PMID: 21333599 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21333599.

Wardlaw D, Cummings SR, Van Meirhaeghe J, et al. Efficacy and safety of balloon kyphoplasty compared with non-surgical care for vertebral compression fracture (FREE): a randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2009;373(9668):1016-24. PMID: 19246088 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19246088.

Williams KD. Fractures, dislocations, and fracture-dislocations of the spine. In: Canale ST, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2013:chap 38.