Percutaneous Kyphoplasty

The goals of a kyphoplasty surgical procedure are designed to stop the pain caused by a spinal bone fracture, to stabilize the bone, and to restore some or all of the lost vertebral body height due to the compression fracture. Kyphoplasty is a type of Vertebral Augmentation for Compression Fractures. 

This procedure is performed through a small incision around the affected area where a narrow needle is placed. Utilizing fluoroscopy to reach a desired position, the tube creates a path through the back into the affected area. A medical balloon is then guided through the tube and carefully inflated. The balloon allows for the fracture to elevate, which returns the fractured pieces in a normal position. This also does the job of compacting the soft inner bone to create a cavity inside the vertebrae. Once the balloon is removed, the doctor will fill the cavity with a cement-like material known as polymethylmethacrylate. This paste hardens and stabilizes the bone reducing pain or discomfort almost immediately. 

One study found that this procedure was safe and effective for vertebral compression fractions. The conclusion illustrated, “significant vertebral height restoration and kyphotic angle reduction and leading to a significant pain relief and improvement in function” (Wang, 2018).