Kyphoplasty Specialist
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Pain Management Strategies
Board Certified Anesthesiologist & Board Certified in Pain Management and Addiction Medicine located in Boca Raton, FL
Spinal compression fractures often cause severe, debilitating pain, but early treatment can help provide pain relief as well as strengthen your spine. Melanie Rosenblatt, MD, at Pain Management Strategies in Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach, Florida, specializes in performing minimally invasive kyphoplasty, which repairs spinal compression fractures and stabilizes your spine. It’s important to get kyphoplasty before multiple fractures develop, so if you develop back pain call Pain Management Strategies or schedule an appointment online right away.
Kyphoplasty Q & A
What is kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure to repair spine fractures. The surgery effectively alleviates pain, stabilizes your spine, and restores normal height to vertebrae following a compression fracture or collapse due to degenerative disc disease.
While kyphoplasty can straighten your spine from a recent fracture, it may not be a good option if you already have an established spine deformity. That’s why it’s important to consult Dr. Rosenblatt as soon as possible after developing back pain, especially if it’s in the middle of your back.
What causes a spinal compression fracture?
A spinal compression fracture, also called a vertebral compression fracture, occurs when pressure on a weakened vertebra makes the front of the bone crack and collapse, losing height on that side of the vertebra. Compression fractures most often develop in the middle portion of your spine (thoracic spine), but they may appear in your lower spine.
Compression fractures in a healthy spine may occur following a trauma, such as a fall. However, osteoporosis is the leading cause. As osteoporosis weakens vertebrae, they’re highly susceptible to developing a fracture even from normal pressure placed on your spine, like bending over and twisting.
When compression fractures occur in several thoracic vertebrae, your back takes on a rounded shape, creating a humped back, or kyphosis.
How is kyphoplasty performed?
After making a small incision, Dr. Rosenblatt inserts a narrow needle into the damaged vertebra, using real-time X-ray imaging to precisely guide the needle.
Once the needle is in the vertebra, a balloon is placed through the needle and into the fractured area. Then Dr. Rosenblatt inflates the balloon, which reduces the fracture and lifts the collapsed side of the vertebra.
After deflating and removing the balloon, Dr. Rosenblatt fills the space created by the balloon with bone cement, which restores the natural shape and stabilizes the spine.
What should I expect after kyphoplasty?
Since it’s a minimally invasive procedure, you can go home the same day. Although you’ll be able to move around, you’ll need to take it easy for the first 24 hours after the kyphoplasty. You should also avoid strenuous activities for a minimum of six weeks.
Most patients who have a kyphoplasty procedure experience a significant reduction in pain and improved mobility.
If you develop pain in the middle of your back or you notice you’re developing a rounded back, call Pain Management Strategies or schedule an appointment online.
