What to Know Before Kyphoplasty Surgery

At SpineMed Specialists we offer a comprehensive range of surgical procedures dedicated to enhancing your spinal health and overall well-being. Among our advanced interventions is the renowned kyphoplasty surgery, tailored to address specific spinal conditions with care and precision.

You may be asking yourself what is kyphoplasty surgery? What are the benefits that come with kyphoplasty surgery? What are the risks that come with kyphoplasty surgery? How do I know if I even need kyphoplasty surgery? What should I know before my kyphoplasty surgery? All of these questions and more will be answered today.

Kyphoplasty surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is often used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures. One of the most common causes of a fracture in the vertebra is osteoporosis or a spinal injury. Osteoporosis is the thinning and weakening of bones within the vertebra.

Our bones are usually very dense and strong enough to support our weight and everyday movements. However, as we age this can unfortunately change. Osteoporosis makes your bones a lot more fragile. Bones will lose the ability to regrow and heal. This can result in your bones being much more susceptible to breaking, hence why it is crucial to get it treated earlier rather than later.

Studies have shown that one in three adults who are over the age of fifty have some sort of reduced bone density even though they don’t have osteoporosis. This is known as osteopenia which can ultimately lead to osteoporosis.

The actual kyphoplasty surgery involves the insertion of a small balloon into the fractured vertebra, which is then followed by the inflation of the balloon to restore the shape and height of the vertebra. Once space is created within the vertebra, the balloon is deflated and replaced with a special bone cement to help stabilize the fractured vertebra.

Now that you know what a kyphoplasty surgery is used to treat and the actual process, let’s dive into the benefits and risks that can come with it.

Benefits and Risks of a Kyphoplasty Procedure

As with any surgical procedure, there will be benefits and risks that come with it, and it is important to be fully aware of and understand both. A kyphoplasty procedure while being a minimally invasive surgery comes with its own benefits and risks.

Benefits of a Kyphoplasty Procedure

1. Pain Relief: Arguably the number one reason people opt to get this procedure is the fact that it helps alleviate any sort of pain. Kyphoplasty surgery is highly effective in alleviating pain associated with vertebral compression fractures, often providing rapid relief to patients.
2. Improved Mobility: A kyphoplasty procedure helps stabilize fractured vertebrae and restore spinal alignment. This enhances a patient’s mobility and overall functional independence.
3. Reduced Disability: A kyphoplasty procedure can help patients regain the ability to perform daily activities and enjoy a better pain-free quality of life.
4. Prevention of Further Fractures: Kyphoplasty surgery does not only treat existing vertebral fractures but also helps prevent any future fractures. It does this by reinforcing any weakened vertebrae.
5. Minimally Invasive: Kyphoplasty surgery is a minimally invasive procedure. This means it requires only small incisions to be successfully completed. This results in faster recovery times and less postoperative discomfort compared to traditional open surgeries.

Risks of a Kyphoplasty Procedure

1. Infection: While it is rare, there is always a risk of infection after surgery. This may require antibiotics or additional medical intervention.
2. Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, some patients may experience an allergic reaction to some of the materials used during the kyphoplasty surgery. This may require prompt medical attention.
3. Bleeding: While it is uncommon, excessive bleeding during or after the kyphoplasty procedure is a potential risk that may necessitate transfusions and even further treatment.
4. Nerve Injury: There is a small risk of nerve injury during this procedure, which could lead to temporary and even permanent deficits.
5. Cement Leakage: The bone cement used during a kyphoplasty procedure may rarely leak out of the vertebral body. This can potentially lead to irritation to surrounding tissues or impinging on nearby nerves.

So we now understand the benefits and risks that come with a kyphoplasty surgery. If you or a loved one feels like they’re struggling in day-to-day activities, then it is a good idea to consider having kyphoplasty surgery done. Let’s see how SpineMed Specialists, located in Wichita, KS, is dedicated to providing cutting-edge treatments for spinal conditions, including kyphoplasty.

With a focus on patient-centered care and a team of experts with over thirty years of experience, we are here to guide you through every step of your spinal health journey. Let’s take a closer look at how we handle kyphoplasty surgery.

SpineMed Specialists: Kyphoplasty Surgery in Wichita, KS

Here at SpineMed Specialists, we have a set procedure when it comes to our surgical treatments including kyphoplasty surgery in Wichita, KS. We will now walk you through our step-by-step process so you know what to expect during your visit.

Medical Evaluation

Before even considering and undergoing kyphoplasty surgery it is essential to undergo a thorough medical evaluation. This ensures that you are in good health for the procedure and ensures that you even need the surgery to begin with. Our evaluation may include a review of your medical history, physical examinations, and any additional tests and screenings.

Medications

It is important that you inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are currently taking. This includes both over-the-counter medications and prescriptions. This is important because some medications may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped to undergo the kyphoplasty procedure.

Preoperative Instructions

Before undergoing the surgical procedure, our neurosurgeon, Dr. Frimpong, will provide specific preoperative instructions. These instructions may include dietary restrictions, such as abstaining away from food and water for some time, specifically twelve hours.

It may include cessation of smoking to reduce any risk of complications up to twelve hours before your spine surgery. Lastly, it is important to shower before your surgery to maintain proper hygiene.

Surgical Procedure

When undergoing your kyphoplasty surgery, you will receive anesthesia to help keep you comfortable and pain-free. To begin the surgical procedure a small incision is made near the affected area of the spine.

Then a small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated to create a cavity. Medical-grade bone cement is then injected to assist in stabilizing the vertebra restoring height and density.

Recover and Rehabilitation

Since kyphoplasty surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure, you will likely be able to go home on the same day. Antibiotics and other pain medications may be prescribed to help manage any postoperative pain and discomfort.

While you may be advised to abstain from certain day-to-day activities, you will be able to resume normal daily activities as tolerated gradually. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled with your surgeon to monitor progress.

Unlocking Relief with Kyphoplasty Surgery

Kyphoplasty surgery is not just about addressing your physical pain and discomfort. It is also about restoring your ability to move around and enjoy your life to the fullest. By alleviating your discomfort, improving mobility, and reducing disability, the kyphoplasty surgery offers you the chance to reclaim your independence and embrace each day with a smile on your face.

Now imagine a life where you can travel freely, attend your child’s graduation, play with your grandchildren, or simply enjoy a walk in the park without pain holding you back. It sounds very nice does it not? If you can imagine it then why not make it a possibility?

Here at SpineMed Specialists, we understand the profound impact that spinal health has on pretty much every aspect of our daily lives, from the ability to pursue your passions to your capacity to be present for your loved ones.

Our experienced and dedicated team is here to support you on your journey toward a brighter, healthier, more fulfilling future, where you are able to fully engage in life’s precious moments. Contact us today to begin this journey towards a pain-free life.