Standing up straight with balloon kyphoplasty

The spine is a weight-bearing structure that maintains the body upright, holds up the skull, and supports the organs of the abdomen so they have enough space to function whilst still being flexible. When the spine compresses from a fractured vertebra, the spine can curve, distorting posture and causing a lot of pain. This can also cause breathing issues and hinder the abdominal organs — but a balloon kyphoplasty can stabilise the vertebra and prevent the spine from collapsing. We spoke with a leading consultant spinal surgeon about this simple procedure with a big impact.

Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spinal procedure that addresses vertebral compression fractures.

What is the purpose of a balloon kyphoplasty?

Balloon kyphoplasty is not suitable for herniated disks or arthritis but is solely designed to treat vertebral compression fractures. The vertebra may have been fractured due to a weakening of the bones called osteoporosis or due to an injury. The procedure is considered if the patient is in severe pain, and imaging scans show a progressive collapse of the spine due to fracture.

What happens during a balloon kyphoplasty?

The patient lies on their stomach while the surgeon inserts a hollow needle called a trocar into a small incision made in the back and into an opening in the fractured vertebra. Through the trocar, a small balloon is inserted into the fractured bone and inflated carefully to correct the compression and make a cavity for the medical cement, which the surgeon will inject upon the removal of the balloon. The fracture is now stabilised and strong, and the spine will be able to stand straight. The procedure only takes about 45 minutes under a local or general anaesthetic. If more than one vertebra requires treatment, then the patient may need to stay overnight in the hospital. No physical therapy is required after, and the results are immediate, eliminating pain and correcting posture.

What are the possible complications and limitations of balloon kyphoplasty?

There are possible risks, such as infection, nerve damage, and cement leaking from the bone and migrating to other parts of the body. The procedure cannot prevent further fractures to other vertebrae, address other causes of spinal pain, or cure osteoporosis.

What happens after a balloon kyphoplasty?

There may be soreness at the incision site for a few days after the procedure as it heals. Patients can return to normal routines and activities within a day, but anything strenuous or involving heavy lifting should be avoided for six weeks. Patients should not fly on short-haul flights for two weeks after the procedure, and long-haul flights for six weeks.

If you are struggling with spinal pain or a curved spine, you can book an appointment with a specialist on Top Doctors.