Balloon Kyphoplasty: Treatment for Spinal Fractures

Introduction
Have you been diagnosed with a spinal fracture? This type of fracture, also called a vertebral compression fracture, can cause severe back pain. Left untreated, one compression fracture can lead to multiple fractures that, in turn, could alter the shape of your spine and adversely affect your overall health.

Traditional treatment for spinal fractures is limited to bedrest, bracing and management of pain, often with narcotics. Although appropriate in some cases, conservative treatment does not address the deformity that can occur with multiple spinal fractures.

Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment that can stabilize the fracture and reduce back pain, as well as restore height and spinal alignment. Continue reading to learn why spinal fractures occur and why balloon kyphoplasty may be a viable treatment option for you.

What is a Spinal Fracture?
The bones in your spine are called vertebrae; the thick portion of bone at the front of each vertebra is referred to as the vertebral body (Fig 1). A spinal fracture occurs when the vertebral body fractures and collapses (Fig 2). Most spinal fractures are caused by osteoporosis, a disease that causes bones to become brittle and break easily. Because osteoporosis usually progresses without obvious symptoms, a person may not know that they have the disease until a fracture occurs. Spinal fractures can also occur as a result of certain types of cancer or tumors.

Fig. 1 Normal vertebral body (side view)

Multiple spinal fractures can cause your spine to shorten and angle forward, resulting in a stooped posture. This forward curvature of the spine (kyphosis) can make it difficult to walk, reach for things or conduct activities of daily living. Chronic back pain, loss of height, diminished appetite and difficulty sleeping have been associated with kyphotic deformity. Over time, patients with spinal fractures are at increased risk of suffering from serious, or even fatal, pulmonary complications.

Fig. 2 Fractured vertebral body (side view)