Kyphoplasty Specialist

What is kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment that restores the structure of your vertebrae after they collapse. Your vertebrae, the bones in your spine, can compress or collapse after weakening from osteoporosis, cancer, or a spinal injury. When this happens, it can stoop your posture and cause immense pain.

Kyphoplasty not only stabilizes the bone and restores your height, but it can also help relieve the pain of a fractured vertebra. At Athens Spine Center, the team can discuss the benefits of the procedure with you and help you decide whether or not it’s the best treatment option in your case. 

How does kyphoplasty work?

Before your kyphoplasty, the team at Athens Spine Center views the damaged vertebra using an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Once they locate the fractured vertebra, they plan your procedure. 

On the date of your kyphoplasty, the team gives you local or general anesthesia to make sure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. Once you’re numb, the team uses an X-ray to guide a needle through your skin and into the bone. Through the needle, they inflate a small balloon to restore the structure and height to your vertebra.

They remove the balloon and fill the cavity within your vertebra with a biocompatible cement-like material. Once the material hardens, your bone is stable and has a similar structure to its structure before the fracture. You don’t need stitches because there are no incisions involved in kyphoplasty. With just one vertebral fracture, kyphoplasty takes about an hour. The procedure takes longer if you need to treat multiple fractured vertebrae.

How long does it take to recover after kyphoplasty?

Immediately after your kyphoplasty, you’ll spend time in a recovery room. The team might tell you to stay overnight, but this isn’t always necessary. They’ll help you ease back into movement and inform you when you can drive again safely. 

You might feel sore for several days, but many patients find that their pain relief is nearly immediate. You can return to your regular daily routine as soon as you get home, but you should avoid strenuous activity for at least six weeks.

If your pain returns or if you get other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or drainage at the injection site, you should call Athens Spine Center right away. 

To find out more about how kyphoplasty can restore your spinal strength and structure, call Athens Spine Center today. 

Watch this video here to learn more about Kyphoplasty.