According to the National Library of Medicine, spinal compression fractures are the most prevalent form of osteoporotic fracture. The prevalence of these fractures is approximately 20% in men and women aged 70 and older.
Conservative treatments help mild compression fractures, but they may not be enough for moderate to severe injuries. If you’re still experiencing pain, the Spine and Orthopedic Center of New Mexico providers recommend kyphoplasty as a potential relief option.
Located in Roswell, New Mexico, the practice offers two specialists: Dr. Omar Osmani and Dr. David Ball. Dr. Osmani is an orthopedic specialist offering bone fracture prevention, physical therapy, and kyphoplasty for the treatment of compression fractures.
Compression fractures occur when the vertebrae in the spine collapse, often resulting in back pain. They can occur anywhere along the spine, but are more common in the lower back due to excessive stress.
People with osteoporosis, or weakened bones, are more likely to have a spinal compression fracture. Falls and traumatic injuries from a car accident also lead to vertebral compression fractures.
Not everyone with a spinal compression fracture has symptoms initially, but as it worsens, they develop. Prevalent symptoms include pain that worsens with activity, trouble bending or standing upright, and loss of height.
Conservative measures like rest and pain medications work for mild to moderate compression fractures. But if the pain persists or interferes with daily activities, you may need surgery.
Kyphoplasty is the procedure we perform to repair damaged vertebrae and restore spinal height. It also improves pain and discomfort.
The procedure is minimally invasive and utilizes tiny balloons and bone cement to stabilize the fracture and restore the vertebrae, thereby reducing pain and improving height.
Although kyphoplasty is minimally invasive, it still requires sedation or anesthesia. During the procedure, you will either be under sedation or be fully asleep to prevent you from feeling discomfort.
You lie face down on the operating table to provide access to your spine. We then use fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray imaging, to locate the affected vertebrae. We make a small incision in the skin and insert a hollow needle into the compressed vertebrae.
We ensure the needle is in the correct location with fluoroscopy before deploying a balloon through the trocar to restore height in the vertebrae. We then remove the balloon and apply bone cement to prevent it from collapsing again.
Kyphoplasty is an outpatient procedure, and you can go home the day of surgery. You’ll recover in the post-operative area until you’re awake enough to go home. Someone needs to drive you home and be with you for the first 24 hours after anesthesia.
We place a bandage over the tiny incision site. It’s essential to keep it clean and dry until we instruct you to remove it. Take it easy for the first few days and allow yourself to rest and recover.
You can return to most normal activities within a few days, but it’s crucial to follow post-op instructions. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for at least six weeks to allow the bones to heal.
Bone health after kyphoplasty is also crucial in preventing further compression fractures. We provide education and treatments for osteoporosis, including guidance on safe exercise and dietary recommendations to ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.
To learn more about our bone health treatments and kyphoplasty, please call our Roswell, New Mexico, office today to schedule an appointment. You may also request one online through our website.
