A solution to the pain caused by a spinal fracture: Learn about Kyphoplasty surgery

Sometimes, as we age or due to a bone-thinning condition like osteoporosis, the bones in the spine can become compressed, crushed, and broken. Medically, we call this a 'vertebral compression fracture'. The back pain caused by this can sometimes be unbearable. Along with this pain, the spine can bend forward and become hunched over. So today we are talking about a very effective and simple treatment for this condition.

What exactly is Kyphoplasty?

Simply put, `Kyphoplasty` is a simple surgery that treats the broken bones (vertebrae) in your spine without making a large incision. Another name for this is `Balloon Kyphoplasty`.

When these bones in the spine are crushed and broken, the pieces of bone collapse inward. When that happens, the spine bends forward. We call this `Kyphosis`, which means `hunching`. When this curvature increases, things like the lungs not having enough space to breathe properly and the organs in the abdomen can be put under pressure. So `Kyphoplasty` surgery stops the spine from hunching in that way.

Who is this surgery for? Is this suitable for you?

Your doctor will decide whether you need this surgery or not. The following people are usually eligible for this procedure:

• If you have severe back pain that is getting worse day by day, caused by a compression fracture of a bone in the spine.
• If this pain is causing you so much difficulty that you cannot do your normal activities .

But one thing to remember is that the cause of your back pain must be this bone fracture. This treatment will not treat pain caused by other causes, such as `Disk herniation` (a herniated disc between the vertebrae), `Arthritis` (inflammation of the joints), or `Stenosis` (narrowing of the spinal canal).

Your doctor will first do an X-ray, CT (computed tomography) scan, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) to confirm whether you have a fracture in your spine. If they suspect you have osteoporosis, they may also do a special scan called a DXA scan.

How do you prepare before surgery?

Before you schedule your surgery, your doctor will examine you and give you any necessary instructions. Typically, the following will happen:

• A complete physical examination is performed.
• You are talking about illnesses you have recently suffered from.
• Asking about your allergies.
• I will ask you about all the medications you are currently taking.
• They will give you some necessary blood tests.

Then, here are some tips to help you prepare for the day of surgery:

• Some medications, such as blood thinners, may require you to stop taking them for a few days. But remember, never stop taking any medication without your doctor's approval.
• You will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours before the surgery.
• Do not wear any jewelry on the day of surgery. Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
• If you smoke, try to cut down or quit. Ask your doctor for help with this.

How is the surgery done?

This is a very simple process. You have no reason to be afraid.

First, the anesthesiologist will anesthetize you. You may be completely asleep, or you may be slightly sedated so that you don't feel any pain.

During the operation, you will be turned over on your stomach and made to lie down. Then, the surgeon will insert a special hollow needle called a `trocar` through your skin and into the broken bone. A special X-ray machine called `fluoroscopy` is used to make sure that the needle goes into the right place.

Once the needle is in the right place, a small balloon-like device is inserted into the bone. The balloon is then inflated. This causes the collapsed bone to rise again, creating a small space inside. The doctor then injects a special type of bone cement into that space. This cement hardens over time and strengthens the bone. This prevents the bone from collapsing again.

The entire procedure takes less than an hour . And it's not an outpatient procedure, which means you can go home the same day.

What happens after the surgery? Are there any risks?

The doctor will give you clear instructions on how to take care of yourself after the surgery. Since you can go home the same day, it is a good idea to bring someone to take you home.

A small bandage will be placed on the area where the surgery was performed. This should be left on for about two days. After the anesthesia wears off, the wound may be a little sore. Applying ice to the area can help relieve the pain. The pain usually goes away completely in two to three days. The pain usually subsides within 48 hours. For some people, the pain goes away immediately after the surgery.

Although you can resume normal activities soon, you should avoid strenuous activities such as lifting weights for a few weeks.

Possible complications

Although this is a very safe surgery, as with any medical procedure, there are some very small risks. These occur very rarely.

• Infection or bleeding at the surgical site.
• Increased pain, numbness, or tingling.
• Nerve damage.
• If you have osteoporosis, you are at risk of breaking other bones.
• Very rarely, some of the cement that has been injected into the bone can leak out. This can cause conditions such as `pulmonary embolism` (a blockage in the lungs) or `spinal stenosis` (a narrowing of the spinal canal).

Your doctor will do his best to prevent these risks. He will prescribe medications to strengthen your bones, especially if you have osteoporosis.

When do you need to talk to the doctor?

If any of these symptoms appear after surgery, you should call your doctor immediately .

• If you see signs of infection (e.g., swelling, redness, skin discoloration, fever at the surgical site).
• If there is excessive bleeding from the surgical site.
• If you feel a new numbness or tingling sensation.
• If the pain gets worse instead of decreasing.

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