Treating Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCFs)
Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) have traditionally been treated with bed rest, medication and bracing, all of which help to decrease a patient's pain but do not address the spinal deformity. Surgery can address the deformity but is typically reserved for cases of major neurologic deficit and mechanical instability. Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive option that addresses both the deformity and the pain by stabilizing the fracture and helping to correct the vertebral body deformity.
Benefits of Kyphoplasty
- Significant reduction in back pain
- Significant improvement in quality of life
- Significant improvement in mobility
- Significant improvement in ability to perform activities of daily living
As with any surgery, there are potential risks. Although Balloon Kyphoplasty is designed to minimize these risks as much as possible, there is a chance that complications could occur. Be sure to discuss the possible risks with your doctor. Also, please note that not all patients are candidates for Balloon Kyphoplasty.
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About Kyphoplasty
Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment in which orthopedic balloons are used to gently raise the collapsed vertebra in an attempt to return them to the correct position. Before the procedure, you will have diagnostic studies, such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to determine the exact location of the fracture.
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Treatment Overview
During Balloon Kyphoplasty a small incision is made and an orthopedic balloon is guided into the fractured vertebra. The balloon is inflated reducing the fracture. After the fracture is reduced, the balloon is deflated and removed and the void that is left is filled with bone cement. The procedure typically takes less than on hour per fracture treated and may require a brief hospital stay.
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Balloon Kyphoplasty information and photo used with permission from Kyphon Incorporated.