If you’ve been diagnosed with a vertebral compression fracture, you know how disruptive it can be. Simple movements like standing, bending, or even taking a deep breath can suddenly feel painful.
Some compression fractures may improve with time, bracing, and medication. But when back pain doesn’t improve or keeps you from living your normal life, it may be time to consider another option: kyphoplasty.
At Trinity Pain Medicine Associates, our team of double board-certified pain management physicians and anesthesiologists regularly performs kyphoplasty to stabilize compression fractures, restore vertebral height, and reduce pain.
Read on to learn more about kyphoplasty.
A vertebral compression fracture happens when one of the bones in your spine collapses. This most often occurs from osteoporosis. In fact, osteoporosis is the most common cause of compression fractures.
You may notice sudden back pain, height loss, or changes in posture. If multiple fractures occur, your spine can begin to curve forward.
Less common causes of compression fractures include trauma (such as a fall) or cancer that affects your spine.
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize the fractured vertebra and reduce pain.
During the endoscopic procedure, our team uses imaging to guide a catheter (tube) into the fractured vertebra. We then insert a tiny balloon through the catheter and inflate it to create space and potentially restore some height. (This is why you sometimes hear this referred to as a balloon kyphoplasty.)
Next, we remove the balloon and inject medical-grade bone cement to stabilize the bone. The cement hardens quickly and reinforces your vertebrae from within.
Kyphoplasty isn’t right for everyone. For example, if you have any contraindications, such as systemic infections (e.g., bacteremia), allergies to the contrast agents, or conditions like vertebra plana (near full collapse of the vertebra), we may recommend other pain management options.
Otherwise, we typically recommend kyphoplasty for a compression fracture when:
It’s often most effective when performed within weeks of the fracture, before the bone heals in a collapsed position. So, if you suspect you have a fracture, don’t put off making an appointment.
Your Trinity Pain Medicine Associates care team will provide clear instructions about activity, follow-up care, and next steps.
You may feel mild soreness at the injection site, but many people notice significant relief from fracture-related pain quickly. In addition to pain relief, kyphoplasty also helps improve function, mobility, and your quality of life.
If osteoporosis contributed to your fracture, addressing your bone health helps reduce your risk of future fractures. That may include bone density testing, medication, supplements, and fall-prevention strategies.
Dr. Classen, Dr. Bailey-Classen, and Dr. Bailey focus not only on relieving your current pain but also on helping prevent future fractures.
Compression fractures can significantly impact your independence and quality of life. If your pain hasn’t improved with conservative treatment, schedule a consultation with Trinity Pain Medicine Associates.
You can also reach us at 817-332-3664.
