Treatment for a spinal fracture - Let's talk about Kyphoplasty!

Although we think that back pain is normal as we age, sometimes this pain can become worse day by day. Especially the pain caused by a fracture of a vertebrae or as we call it a compression fracture can affect daily activities to the point where it is impossible to do anything. Today we are talking about a very effective treatment method for such a condition.

Simply put, what is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a special procedure that treats bones (vertebrae) in your back that have been broken by a blow. Think about it, our spine is made up of a bunch of small bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other. With age or for other reasons, these bones can become weak and can break and collapse on top of each other even with a small blow. This is what we call a `(compression fracture)`.

When this happens, the broken bone fragments begin to press on the nerves and spinal cord in the back. This causes unbearable back pain, making it difficult to walk and move. Sometimes, a forward curvature of the spine, called ``kyphosis,'' can also occur.

So, in this ` Kyphoplasty` treatment, a type of medical cement (bone cement) is inserted into the broken bone in a special way to strengthen it. It's like putting cement into a crack in a wall to repair it.

Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty - What's the difference?

While these two treatments may sound similar, there is a small but important difference. Both involve inserting cement into the fractured bone in the spine. However, in Kyphoplasty, before the cement is placed, a small balloon is inserted into the bone and inflated.

This difference can be understood more clearly from the table below.

Who is this treatment suitable for?

If your back pain is getting worse day by day, it could be due to a ``compression fracture``. The main cause of this condition is a disease called ``osteoporosis`` . Simply put, as you age, your bones become weaker, thinner, and more easily broken. Some cancers can also damage your bones and cause these fractures.

However, if your back pain is caused by something else, such as a herniated disk, arthritis, or spinal stenosis, then Kyphoplasty may not be right for you. Therefore, it is best to talk to your doctor to determine the exact cause of your pain and choose the most appropriate treatment.

Preparation before surgery

If you decide to have this surgery, the doctor will examine you before doing so. He will perform several tests to determine your overall health.

• A physical examination
• Blood tests
• A spinal X-ray, CT (Computed Tomography) scan, or MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging ) test

It is important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking and any allergies you may have. You may be asked to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, a few days before surgery. You may also be advised to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before surgery.

How is the surgery done?

This is not a major surgery, so there is nothing to be afraid of.

1. Numbness: First, you will be given ``local anesthesia``, or an injection that numbs only the area where the surgery will be performed. Sometimes you may also be put to sleep (``sedation``). Most of the time, ``general anesthesia`` is not used.

2. Position: During the surgery, you will be turned face down and placed on your stomach.

3. Inserting the needle: Then, using a special type of X-ray (`fluoroscopy`), the surgeon makes a very small hole through the skin on your back and guides a hollow needle through it into the broken bone.

4. Balloon inflation: Next, a small balloon is inserted through the needle into the bone and slowly inflated, creating a space between the collapsed bone fragments.

5. Cement filling: The balloon is removed and a special medical cement is injected into the space created. This strengthens and stabilizes the bone.

The entire process takes as little as an hour for one bone.

Benefits of treatment and recovery

Since kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery, recovery is very quick.

After the surgery, you will be kept in bed for about an hour to allow the cement to set properly. After that, you will be able to walk. You may feel some soreness for a few days where the needle was inserted. This is normal. However, your doctor will advise you to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a few weeks .

Are there any risks?

As with any medical procedure, Kyphoplasty carries some very rare risks. These are nothing to be afraid of, but it's important to be aware of them.

• Infections: Can occur very rarely.
• Bleeding: From the site where the needle was inserted.
• Nerve damage: This can cause a feeling of numbness.
• Allergies: To chemicals used in X-rays.
• Cement leakage: Very rarely, a small amount of the inserted cement may leak out of the bone. This can cause complications such as a blood clot blocking a blood vessel or pinching the spinal cord.

When to seek medical advice after surgery

It is very important to inform your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms after you go home after surgery.

• Swelling, skin discoloration, or fever at the site of the needle insertion (may be signs of infection).
• Excessive bleeding from the site.
• Numbness or loss of sensation in the limbs.
• The pain gets worse instead of decreasing.

If you feel something like this, don't ignore it. Talk to your doctor immediately.

Kyphoplasty, back pain, compression fracture, vertebral fracture, osteoporosis, bone cement, vertebroplasty, back surgery, adult health, pain management