A compression fracture can cause excruciating back pain that limits your mobility and makes even the most simple tasks challenging. Some fractures heal on their own, while others don’t.
A procedure called kyphoplasty can help patients with compression fractures by reducing pain and restoring mobility. This minimally invasive spine surgery corrects compression fractures.
Here at The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Thomas Jones II, MD, helps patients with a full range of spinal issues, including spinal fracture. Specializing in minimally invasive approaches. Dr. Jones discusses your treatment options following a comprehensive evaluation. Here’s how kyphoplasty could help you get needed pain relief.
In older adults, compression fractures in the vertebrae are usually the result of osteoporosis, the age-related weakening of the bones. Fractures in the spine are common as bones become more fragile, and many occur from normal daily activities, such as picking up an item or changing clothes.
Kyphoplasty is a surgical approach evolved from vertebroplasty. It involves using a small balloon to restore vertebral height. After adjusting the vertebrae, your surgeon uses a special cement to bind the bones together in that position. This differs from other procedures that involve only cementing the bones. Reshaping the vertebrae makes kyphoplasty unique.
Nonsurgical treatments for fractures often serve as the initial treatment approach. This includes pain medication, activity modification, and bracing. With these treatments, vertebral fractures may heal in about three months.
Your doctor may recommend surgery if nonsurgical treatments are ineffective, or if your spinal fracture is putting pressure on your spinal cord. For some fractures, kyphoplasty may not be the best option. Dr. Jones assesses your case and recommends the best treatment option for you.
There are numerous advantages to kyphoplasty. Outpatient treatment is available for this safe, minimally invasive procedure, and the recovery time is short. Additional advantages include:
The ability to reshape the vertebrae is a major advantage of kyphoplasty. As a result, patients can stand up straighter and hunch less. This can aid in the relief of secondary pain caused by compression fractures and poor posture. Patients can often return to performing daily tasks that were previously too painful.
If you're experiencing severe pain that isn't responding to conservative treatment, talk to Dr. Jones about kyphoplasty. This procedure may be an excellent option if you have a compression fracture that doesn’t heal on its own. This procedure is also ideal for osteoporosis patients over age 50. Kyphoplasty is not suitable for treating traumatic fractures.
Kyphoplasty has the potential to reduce your pain and improve your quality of life. If you’re struggling with back pain from a compression fracture, we’re here to help you find an effective solution.
To get started, give us a call to schedule your consultation with Dr. Jones. We have clinics in Pearland and Lake Jackson, Texas. You can also stay connected through telemedicine to discuss the next steps in your care.
