In order to reduce morbidity, and achieve In addition to improving pain, a better quality of life, partially restoring the sagittal alignment and normal vertebral body height, the technique of percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty was developed, carried out and developed for the first time in 1998, as a technique indicated in fractures/crushing of the vertebral body.
Reconstructing the spine in Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Also, when a patient is diagnosed with a vertebral fracture originated by osteoporosis, balloon kyphoplasty procedure can be performed.
It has recently been established the ability of kyphoplasty to recover vertebral height and improve spinal alignment:
- Vertebral structural reinforcement technique.
- Stabilising technique by causing the decrease of macro and micromobility in the focus of vertebral somatic fracture.
- Analgesic technique due to the toxic and thermal neurolytic effect during cement polymerization.
The good results and the evolution of the surgical technique have made this procedure to extend to new therapeutic indications, such as certain metastatic, osteoporotic and traumatic vertebral fractures. The latter has caused that this technique is performed now in younger patients.
Before the procedure is performed, a proper medical examination must be done and diagnostic studies like X-rays are necessary to establish the exact area of the fracture.
Balloon kyphoplasty can be carried out under local or general anesthesia; your doctor will determine which option is the most convenient for you.
The aforementioned procedure requires approximately 20 minutes per treated fracture. It can be accomplished with an inpatient or outpatient regimen, determined by many factors. After the intervention, the patient will be directed to the recovery room to be under observation for 1 hour.
At Harley Street Hospital, we have recognized surgeons who are qualified to perform this or similar procedures. Book a consultation to get a specialist´s opinion.