Vertebral Augmentation (Kyphoplasty)
Kyphoplasty is a type of Vertebral
Augmentation for Compression Fractures. A
kyphoplasty is a surgical procedure designed
to treat a compression fracture of the spine
and stabilize a vertebral bone, resulting in
back to normal spinal stability and stopping
the pain caused by the fracture.
Kyphoplasty surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia and typically takes 45-60 minutes for each fractured vertebra.
The surgery consists of a small incision made in the back and a narrow tube is inserted toward the facture site guided in real time by fluoroscopy. A specialized small balloon is inserted into the vertebrae and very carefully inflated which moves the factured bone pieces back into their normal resting position. The balloon is then removed and a hard cement-like material called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is filled into the cavity, which hardens and gives strength and structure back to that individual vertebrae.
Patients will be observed in the recovery room immediately following the procedure and may spend one day in the hospital. You should arrange for transportation home from the hospital and should not drive until given permission by your physician.
Spine Physicians Institute treats back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, stenosis and other spine problems. Patients come to the spine center from across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Dr. Sethuraman is one of few Mayo Clinic fellowship-trained spine surgeons in the North Texas area. A fellowship is the highest level of medical education in the U.S.