Kyphoplasty
Revolutionary treatment for compression fractures.
What is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for people suffering with compression fractures of the spine. The procedure involves the insertion of a balloon into the collapsed vertebra, followed by injection of a special material. The material hardens and stabilizes the vertebra, preventing further damage. This treatment typically reduces or eliminates the pain caused by the fracture or the bone rubbing against bone. Patients can resume their activities almost immediately. The only option available before Kyphoplasty was weeks of bed rest and pain medications, possibly leading to other health complications.
Why would someone need Kyphoplasty?
The most common reason for Kyphoplasty is to stabilize a compression fracture of one or more vertebrae. Compression fractures can occur from an accident or trauma, but the most common cause is from osteoporosis. The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that ten million Americans have osteoporosis, and the disease causes 700,000 vertebral fractures annually. Regardless of the cause, a compression fracture of the spine may result in severe pain, a tremendous reduction in the quality of life, and risk of additional compression fractures if untreated.
The Timeline
Restoring the height of the vertebra is more successful if Kyphoplasty is performed within six to eight weeks after the fracture. Kyphoplasty is performed with local anesthetic and oral sedation. The procedure generally takes 30-60 minutes for each fracture treated.
Medtronic
Medtronic's balloon kyphoplasty procedure revolutionized the treatment of vertebral compression fractures more than 20 years ago.
Click here to see how we continue to innovate.
Patient Testimonials
"A compression fracture was found and treated within days by Dr. Crisp in a procedure called Kyphoplasty. It is minimally invasive and provided instant pain relief. Anyone suffering from osteoporosis needs to be aware of this miracle treatment" - Barbara T.
"Dr. Crisp preformed my kyphoplasty and the result was wonderful!! I recommend Dr. Crisp and the Spine team" - Rene W.
"Dr. Crisp is friendly and answers every question" - Sharon P.
Meet The Doctor
Dr. Greg Crisp
Visual Walkthrough of the Kyphoplasty Procedure
Balloon Inserted
Through a pair of small incisions, and using special x-rays, the doctor uses a needle and cannula to create a small pathway into the damaged vertebra. Through this cannula, a balloon is inserted into the center of the vertebral body.
Balloon Inflated
The balloon is then carefully inflated to raise and restore the collapsed vertebra back to its original height and shape. Inflation of the balloon creates a void (cavity) in the vertebral body.
Balloon Removed, Material Injected
Once the vertebra is in the correct position, the balloon is deflated and removed. The remaining cavities are then injected with bone cement.
Material Hardens
Once the bone cement hardens, it forms an "internal cast" which supports the fractured vertebra near its normal height, relieves the pain, and prevents further collapse.