Kyphoplasty: Treating Vertebral Compression Fractures

Kyphoplasty is a newer technique performed to treat compression fractures that evolved from a procedure called vertebroplasty. During kyphoplasty, a bone tamp with an orthopaedic balloon is inserted into the damaged (collapsed) vertebral body (Fig. 2). The entire procedure is performed under fluoroscopic guidance ('real time' low dose x-ray). A fluoroscopy enables the surgeon to perform the procedure minimally invasively through a small working channel.

Figure 2. A close up of the KyphX® Inflatable Bone Tamp (Balloon).

Through a small incision (one centimeter), the surgeon creates a narrow pathway to the spine. After the bone tamp is properly positioned, the balloon is inflated (Fig. 3, 4). As the balloon is inflated, the shape of the fractured vertebra is restored.

Figure 3. The bone tamp is advanced into the collapsed vertebral body with the KyphX® Balloon.

Figure 4. As the KyphX® Balloon is inflated, a portion of the collapsed vertebral body is moved restoring its original shape.

Figure 5. The cavity created by the balloon is then filled with bone cement.

Figure 6. The bone tamp is removed and the bone cement sets.

Many studies have been conducted using kyphoplasty and patients who received this treatment have been closely followed. Patients tolerate the procedure well and report an early improvement in pain and mobility with few complications. Kyphoplasty not only restores the vertebral body to its original height and alignment, but restores the strength and structural integrity of the bone.

The medical devices used to perform balloon kyphoplasty are manufactured by Kyphon Inc.

This article is an excerpt from Dr. Stewart G. Eidelson's book, Advanced Technologies to Treat Neck and Back Pain, A Patient's Guide (March 2005).