Understanding Compression Fractures & Kyphoplasty
Cement in the Spine?
For many people with back pain caused by compression fractures, there is a procedure called a kyphoplasty that can be offered. This procedure is mainly done for pain relief. But before we get too far ahead of ourselves…
What is a compression fracture?
Compression fractures occur when one or more vertebrae (bones) become compressed or collapsed. This can cause pain and reduced mobility. An estimated 750,000 new fractures occur annually in the U.S., according to a 2019 report published by the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The most common cause is untreated osteoporosis, but it can also be caused by trauma (fall, motor vehicle accidents, etc), or (uncommonly) cancer that has spread to the bones.
What should you do when you are diagnosed with a compression fracture?
Of course, you should try conservative treatment. This includes rest, medication, bracing. But, ifthe pain has been refractory to these methods, you may want to consider a kyphoplasty.
What is a kyphoplasty?
A kyphoplasty (KY-foh-plas-tee) is a minimally invasive procedure that involves injecting cement into the broken vertebra to fill the fractured bone, lift the compressed portion, and hold it in place.
1. A hollow needle (trocar) is placed (with the aid of x-ray) through the skin, the muscle, and into the correct position
2. An inflatable balloon is placed into the trocar and inflated to create the space needed for the bone cement.
3. Once the space has opened up, the mixture is injected to fill it up, and when the cement is in place, needle is removed.
4. The area is bandaged, no staples/stitches needed.
So…should you do it?
Well, great question. There are things to consider. Every procedure has risks and benefits. An estimated 92% of people who undergo the kyphoplasty report that their pain is dramatically reduced if not resolved. And in general, it’s a pretty low risk procedure. However, it’s important to recognize that sometimes, pain can decrease on its own with time. This is why many physicians recommend waiting a few weeks, if not more. Relief of pain allows people to function better, but it doesn’t mean that you will for sure be back to your baseline. It can still take time to get back to “normal” function, and we say fractures generally take 3 months to heal. Sometimes patients can experience new back pain related to muscle stiffness, which can eventually dissipate. Sometimes the natural healing method has drawbacks as well such as loss of muscle from not moving around enough, or overall deconditioning.
Ultimately, whether you choose to go with the procedure or not, the most important thing you should do is make sure you get a bone density exam to rule out osteopenia/osteoporosis. The risk for future compression fracture is higher after you have had a fracture. So, make sure you get treatment, which usually consists more than just adding calcium or vitamin D. Often times a rheumatologist or a primary care doctor will prescribe stronger medications (such as Polia, Evenity, Tymlos, Forteo, etc.) to help strengthen and/or build bone. In addition to medications, patients can start a physical therapy “bone builders” regimen to help reduce the risk of future fractures.
Questions?
Call our Kyphoplasty Hotline: 239-498-7220
For a video about the kyphoplasty procedure, please visit the “How We Treat” Page.
Schedule a consultation and we’ll figure out how to get you better.
Naples Office: (239) 649-1662
Fort Myers Office: (239) 437-1121
or click the “Contact” tab above to get scheduled.