A break can result in bone fragments rubbing against each other, compression fracture or a break in one of your vertebra can be painful, making it difficult to move freely. Surgery like Kyphoplasty can help treat such fractures. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spinal operation done to correct fractures in the vertebra. It involves the use of a balloon to restore the vertebral body height and shape and then bone cement to strengthen it.

The kyphoplasty starts with a small cut being made in the back through which a narrow tube is placed. The tube forms a path through the back and into the fractured area. Using X-ray images, a special balloon is injected through the tube and into the vertebrae, then carefully expanded. As the balloon inflates, it hoists the fracture, returning the pieces to a more normal position. After the balloon is removed the cavity is injected with a cement-like substance. The cement-like substance quickly hardens and stabilizes the bone. The procedure takes about 1 hour for each vertebra involved.

Although the complication rate with balloon kyphoplasty has been demonstrated to be low, there are risks and complications associated. These complications include cement leakage, infection, and irritation or damage to other structures, including the spinal cord.

Kyphoplasty treats osteoporotic fractures in the vertebra that are also referred to as vertebral compression fractures.

Vertebral compression fractures are most often caused by osteoporosis, the loss of calcium from bones resulting in weak bone structure. Osteoporosis increases the risk of fracture of the vertebral body occurs more often in women than men, with women accounting for 80% of all osteoporosis cases. Vertebral compression fractures can be also be caused by arthritis, cancer, degenerative disc diseases or trauma to the back, such as a fall or car accident.

• Spinal deformity will occur with hunched back
• A severe backache
• Loss of height due to collapsed fracture
• Quality of life will be reduced
• Reduced lung function, gastric distress
• Sleeping disorders as the pain interfere with the sleep
• Risk of other vertebral fractures increases.

• Chronic or severe back pain
• Limited function and reduced mobility
• Loss of independence in daily activities
• Decreased lung function
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loss of height
• Decrease appetite
• Depression/anxiety

Those with cancer, arthritis, degenerative disc diseases, osteoporosis, or those who have had trauma to the back, such as a car accident or fall are at risk for vertebral compression fractures.

Patients who are experiencing painful symptoms or spinal deformities from recent osteoporotic compression fractures are likely candidates for kyphoplasty. The surgery should be completed within 8 weeks of when the fracture occurs for the highest probability of restoring height. Kyphoplasty cannot correct any old, existing deformity of the spine. So, some patients with osteoporosis are not candidates for this treatment.

Before the treatment, the patient will have a medical examination and diagnostic studies performed to identify the Vertebral compression fractures. The kyphoplasty procedure can be performed while is asleep or awake but under local anesthesia.

• Significant reduction of back pain
• Improvement of performing daily activities
• Improvement in overall quality of life
• Body height restoration

The cost of Kyphoplasty varies depending on the severity of the condition, and the overall health of the patient. 
The cost varies amongst different doctors and in different hospitals. The average cost of Kyphoplasty in India ranges from INR 3,50,000 to INR 4,00,000.

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat vertebral compression fractures.

A vertebral compression fracture occurs when the bony block present in the spine collapses, causing deformity, extreme pain, and loss of height.

Kyphoplasty is down to treat vertebral compression fractures that may occur due to the following conditions:

• Osteoporosis (loss of bone mass and bone tissue destruction, which causes weakening and brittleness of bone)
• Cancer, like bone cancer and multiple myeloma (a type of blood cancer beginning in the bone marrow)
• Trauma and spinal injuries

The following are the symptoms of vertebral compression fracture, that indicate the need for kyphoplasty:

• Back pain
• Pain that gets worst on standing up or walking, and gets better on lying down
• Loss of height
• Trouble in twisting or bending the body
• A stooped, curved shape to the spine

The following specialists may perform kyphoplasty:

1. Orthopedic surgeon
2. Neuroradiologists
3. Interventional radiologists
4. Neurosurgeons

The following diagnostic tests may be recommended before kyphoplasty:

1. Physical examination: The doctor evaluates the overall physical health of the patient. The patient’s symptoms, medical history, and family history are noted.
2. X-rays: A lateral x-ray of the spine helps in identifying a fracture, and checking for misalignment of the spine or loss of height.
3. Computed tomography (CT) scan: It is a type of imaging test that provides a detailed image of the bone anatomy and helps in diagnosing bone defects.
4. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan: This type of imaging test helps in revealing if the fracture is acute (sudden, short-term) and if there is any compromise of the body’s neurological (nerve-related) system.
5. Bone Scintigraphy: It is a nuclear medicine imaging technique of the bone used for the diagnosis of bone conditions and disorders like fracture, cancer, and infection.
6. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan: It is an imaging test done to measure bone strength or density.

The following preparation may be required before the kyphoplasty procedure:

• Answer all your doctor’s queries regarding any medical conditions that you may be having.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking any supplements, medications, or herbs.
• If you are sensitive or allergic to any medications, anesthetic agents, latex, iodine, or tape, inform your doctor about the same.
• Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or you think that you could be pregnant.
• Quit smoking as soon as possible.
• You may be asked to stop taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin and warfarin a few days before the procedure.
• You will be told to not eat or drink anything three hours before the procedure.

The procedure of kyphoplasty is performed as follows:

• The patient will lie down on his/her stomach.
• The spinal area in which the needle will be inserted is shaved, cleaned, and sterilized.
• A local anesthesia is injected to numb the area of the procedure.
• The procedure may be performed under general anesthesia, in which the patient is put to sleep during the procedure if the patient is in extreme pain due to vertebral compression fracture.
• A needle is inserted through the skin into the fractured spinal vertebra. A real-time x-ray guidance is used to place the needle in its proper position.
• A balloon is inserted through the needle and inflated to make a cavity in the vertebra.
• The balloon is then withdrawn and a medical-grade cement is injected into the vertebra.
• The needle is then removed.
• The cement normally hardens in approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
• The process is repeated for each fractured vertebra.
• Additional x-rays and CT scans may be taken once the injections are completed.
• The procedure usually takes less than one hour to complete.

The following after care is required after a kyphoplasty procedure:

• You will be staying in the recovery room for a short time after the procedure.
• You will mostly go home on the same day of the procedure.
• Avoid driving immediately after the procedure.
• 24 hours after the procedure you can slowly return to your normal activities.
• It is normal to experience some soreness in the area of needle insertion. This soreness usually resolves on its own in a couple of days.
• Ice application can be done on the wound area to relieve the pain at the site of needle insertion.
• Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for at least 6 weeks after the procedure.
• The doctor may prescribe certain medications to strengthen the bones and prevent additional fractures in the spine region.

The following risks may be associated with kyphoplasty:

1. Bleeding
2. Infection
3. Increase in back pain
4. Cement leaking out of its position
5. Numbness, tingling, or weakness due to nerve damage
6. Allergic reaction to the chemicals used with x-rays
7. Allergic reaction to anesthesia
8. Paralysis (rare)

Following kyphoplasty if you notice any of the following symptoms, call your doctor right away:

• Fever
• Bleeding
• Inability to move a body part
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Pain that cannot be controlled by medications

Kyphoplasty usually provides relief from pain and improved mobility within 48 hours of the procedure. Some people may get immediate pain relief.

Kyphoplasty helps in reducing pain and improving mobility for up to 3 years after the procedure.