Balloon Kyphoplasty is an effective treatment for compression fractures, providing meaningful relief from pain, enhanced quality of life, and restored mobility to patients suffering from related symptoms. This treatment has been shown to be more effective than non-surgical approaches, decreasing the need for pain medications, and restoring normal disc height. This is accomplished by correcting bone deformities that are causing pain and other symptoms.

How Is A Balloon Kyphoplasty Procedure Performed?

At the beginning, you will be placed on your stomach on a surgical table, and general anesthesia will be administered, rendering you unconscious for the duration. Dr. Czerwein will then proceed to clean the surgical site thoroughly and inject a numbing medication to further aid in the control of discomfort. During the procedure, real-time x-ray imaging will be used to help provide visibility for Dr. Czerwein for the duration of the procedure.

With the area thoroughly prepped, an incision will be made through which a small tube with a balloon on the end can be inserted. This balloon will be navigated to the surgical site where spinal compression is taking place and inflated enough to restore natural height. At this point, the balloon is removed, and a special form of bone cement will be piped into the area opened by its inflation. Over a period of ten minutes, the cement will harden into place. This use of a balloon is what defines the difference between this procedure and a similar procedure known as vertebroplasty. The balloon is central in relieving the maximum amount of pain and creating the necessary space for the bone cement.

What Should I Anticipate During My Recovery From This Procedure?

The most commonly reported side-effect of this treatment is a temporary soreness at the incision site that will pass quickly. Most patients who undergo this procedure report feeling an immediate sense of pain relief upon waking. It is essential that Dr. Czerwein’s guidelines for the procedure are followed completely. These guidelines will often include medication, vitamins, and mineral supplements that will strengthen the bones with the aim of preventing any additional bone loss in the future. For the best long-term results, be sure to follow the entire care plan provided to you, including any follow-up appointments that may be scheduled.

What Risks Are There?

There are relatively few risks associated with receiving balloon kyphoplasty. The primary risks are those associated with the anesthesia, but may also include bleeding, leakage of cement, increased pain, allergic reactions, and infection. Most of these side-effects can be prevented by following Dr. Czerwein’s instructions following the procedure and keeping to the recovery plan.

Balloon Kyphoplasty is an important tool for our clinic in treating spinal compression and compression fractures. Dr. John Czerwein is proud to serve the North Scituate, RI area with orthopedic surgery options such as this. We welcome you to contact us or visit us to learn more about our range of treatment options and what we can do to help relieve your symptoms.