A physician is diagnosing a back pain area of the patient for balloon kyphoplasty surgery.

Balloon Kyphoplasty for Spinal Fracture Treatment

Osteoporotic spinal fractures often accompany advanced osteoporosis, leading to persistent pain and limited mobility in elderly individuals. While some fractures heal naturally, others require intervention. Balloon kyphoplasty is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure designed to address vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) by reducing and stabilising them. This technique effectively treats pathological fractures of the vertebral body, whether they result from cancer, benign lesions, or osteoporosis.

During the balloon kyphoplasty procedure, a robust balloon passed through a slender 3mm needle is employed to restore the height of the vertebral body. Simultaneously, it creates a cavity within the fractured area, which is subsequently filled with specialised bone cement. This innovative approach provides immediate pain relief while simultaneously restoring the full strength and integrity of the fractured spinal bone.

Book an Appointment

When Do You Need Balloon Kyphoplasty

Excruciating pain that cannot be tolerated. The choice to undergo this treatment, however, depends on the overall health condition of the patient.

X-rays reveal a progressive and ongoing collapse of the vertebral body.

Despite the passage of 4-6 weeks, there is no improvement in the pain.

Book a Consultation

Surgical Options We Provide

Selective Nerve Root Block (SNRB)

A Selective Nerve Root Block, or SNRB, serves a dual purpose as a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. It involves the precise administration of medication, usually an anaesthetic or a combination of anaesthetic and steroids, in proximity to an inflamed spinal nerve. The injection is directed at the intervertebral foramen, the bony opening between adjacent vertebrae, reducing inflammation and numbing pain signals transferred by the nerve.

Transforaminal Epidural

The Transforaminal Epidural Block plays a crucial role in alleviating the inflammatory component of Lower Back Radicular Syndrome (LRS). This targeted therapeutic approach, guided by imaging, allows for precise medication delivery. This narrative review explores the multifaceted aspects of lumbar transforaminal epidural injections of steroids, shedding light on its therapeutic potential.

Racz Procedure (Epidural Neurolysis)

The Racz Catheter Procedure, also known as Epidural Neurolysis, is employed to liberate entrapped nerves from scar tissue within the epidural space of the spine. This procedure facilitates the effective delivery of medications, such as cortisone, to the affected areas, thereby reducing pain stemming from scarring.

Sacroiliac Joint Block

Pain originating from the sacroiliac (SI) joints can lead to discomfort in the lower back, buttocks, and leg. Typically, one SI joint is the source of pain, causing symptoms on one side of the lower body. Although it is less common for both SI joints to be painful simultaneously, this joint can be targeted with injections for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Pre-Surgery Care: Things to Remember

During the Surgery: What to Expect

Post-Surgery Care: Crucial Points

Before the kyphoplasty, patients undergo a comprehensive physical examination to determine their suitability for surgery.
Evaluating the patient's health before surgery aids the spine specialist in anticipating and minimising potential complications.
Patients taking anticoagulants tablets are advised to discontinue usage seven days prior to the surgery.
The choice between local or general anaesthesia for kyphoplasty hinges on various factors, including the seriousness of the spinal fracture and the patient's overall health.

Employing tiny incisions, each measuring approximately 1 cm, a highly trained specialist uses a needle and cannula to create access points on both sides of the fractured vertebral body.
A small balloon is carefully inserted through each cannula, targeting the affected vertebra with precision.
Each balloon is skillfully inflated to raise the collapsed vertebra, restoring it to its original position.
The inflation of these balloons leads to the formation of cavities or voids within the vertebral body.
Once the vertebra is correctly repositioned, the balloons are deflated and gently removed.
The resulting cavities are filled with specialised bone cement, creating an "internal cast" that offers vital support to the surrounding bone and helps prevent further collapse.
The decision regarding the use of general or local anaesthesia is made by the specialised physician, taking into account the patient's overall health and unique medical circumstances.

After Balloon Kyphoplasty surgery, pain relief experiences can vary. While many patients experience immediate relief, others may require a few days or weeks to notice improvements.
Patients are permitted to stand and walk shortly after awakening from the procedure.
Typically, patients spend a night in the hospital, although some individuals are discharged on the same day.
To ensure comfort during the initial days, pain medication will be provided.
Patients are advised against heavy lifting and engaging in strenuous activities for the first six weeks post-surgery.
Depending on individual needs, a postoperative rehabilitation program might be recommended by the physician to enhance the strength of spinal muscles, typically commencing after two weeks.
Post-surgery treatment includes calcium and vitamin D supplements, bone forming and bone re absorbing agents accompanied by supervised and regular physiotherapy.

FAQs on Balloon Kyphoplasty

1. How long does the procedure take?

The balloon kyphoplasty procedure typically requires approximately one hour for each fracture and is often conducted as a day-care procedure since the patient is discharged the same day.

2. Is Balloon Kyphoplasty performed on an outpatient basis, or does it require hospitalisation?

Most patients undergoing balloon kyphoplasty are discharged on the same day as their surgery. However, the duration of hospitalisation may vary based on factors such as the number of treated levels and the severity or cause of the fracture.

3. What are the advantages of Balloon Kyphoplasty?

Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive method for stabilising spinal Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCF), rapidly alleviating back pain. It also has the added benefit of restoring vertebral height, thus reducing or preventing abnormal kyphosis (a hunchback curve) often associated with multiple vertebral compression fractures. Other advantages include enhanced functionality and mobility, decreased bed rest days due to back pain, a low complication rate, and an improved quality of life.

4. What techniques help minimise complications in Balloon Kyphoplasty?

To reduce complications during balloon kyphoplasty, specific techniques are employed, including the selection of a transpedicular route in the lumbar spine and a costovertebral junction in the thoracic spine. It is essential to avoid cortical breaches whenever possible, optimise cement opacification by adhering to the manufacturer's recommendations, and maintain the recommended proportions of powder polymer and liquid polymer. Defining optimal cement viscosity before injection is also critical, with a recommendation to halt the procedure in the event of cement leakage.

Your Spine Specialist is Here

If you suspect the presence of a spinal fracture, book an appointment today for a comprehensive evaluation.

Book an Appointment

Spine 360 · balloon kyphoplasty surgery in Bangalore - Spine 360

Balloon Kyphoplasty Procedure

Balloon Kyphoplasty for Spinal Fracture Treatment

When Do You Need Balloon Kyphoplasty

Surgical Options We Provide

FAQs on Balloon Kyphoplasty

Your Spine Specialist is Here

Location

Opening Hours

Contact Us

Social Media