Kyphoplasty in Montgomery, AL
A vertebral compression fracture can cause sudden or persistent back pain, make it difficult to stand or walk comfortably, and affect your ability to perform everyday activities. When a painful compression fracture does not improve with conservative treatment, kyphoplasty may be considered to stabilize the affected vertebra and relieve fracture-related pain.
At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Milo Sanda, a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, provides surgical and nonsurgical treatment for conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. Dr. Sanda sees patients for specialized spine care in Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka, AL.
If back pain from a vertebral compression fracture is limiting your mobility or daily activities, request an appointment online or call (334) 613-9000 to schedule a spine evaluation. For broader information on related symptoms, you can explore the Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons Back Pain Center.
What Is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat certain painful vertebral compression fractures. A vertebral compression fracture occurs when one of the bones of the spine, called a vertebra, weakens and partially collapses. These fractures are commonly associated with osteoporosis but can also occur due to trauma or conditions that weaken the vertebral bone.
During kyphoplasty performed by Dr. Milo Sanda, a small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and carefully inflated. This creates a cavity within the bone and may help restore some of the vertebra’s lost height. The balloon is then removed, and bone cement is placed into the space to stabilize the fractured vertebra. The goals of kyphoplasty are to stabilize the fracture, reduce fracture-related pain, and help improve mobility and function.
What Is a Vertebral Compression Fracture?
A vertebral compression fracture occurs when a vertebra becomes too weak to withstand normal forces and collapses or loses height. Osteoporosis is a common underlying cause because it reduces bone strength and makes vertebrae more susceptible to fracture. In patients with significantly weakened bones, a compression fracture can sometimes occur during routine movements or activities. Other causes can include:
Trauma or injury
Certain tumors involving the spine
Other conditions that weaken vertebral bone
Symptoms of a vertebral compression fracture may include:
Sudden or persistent back pain
Pain that worsens with standing or walking
Pain with certain movements
Reduced mobility
Loss of height over time
Changes in spinal posture when multiple fractures occur
Not every compression fracture causes the same symptoms, and not every fracture requires a procedure such as kyphoplasty.
Who May Be a Candidate for Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty may be considered for patients with a painful vertebral compression fracture when symptoms continue despite appropriate conservative treatment. Factors your physician may consider include:
The cause of the fracture
How recently the fracture occurred
The severity and location of your pain
Imaging findings
Whether the fracture is still active or healing
How much the symptoms affect your mobility and daily activities
Your overall health and bone quality
Your response to nonsurgical treatment
Conservative treatment may include activity modification, bracing, medications, and other measures when appropriate. Not every vertebral compression fracture requires surgery. A spine evaluation can help determine whether kyphoplasty or another treatment is appropriate.
What Happens During Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is performed through a small incision using imaging guidance. During the procedure, the surgeon guides a specialized instrument into the fractured vertebra. A small balloon is then inserted and carefully inflated inside the vertebral body. Inflating the balloon creates a cavity and may help restore some of the height lost when the vertebra collapsed. The balloon is then deflated and removed. Bone cement is placed into the cavity, where it hardens and stabilizes the fractured vertebra. The exact details of the procedure, including anesthesia and surgical approach, depend on the individual patient’s condition and treatment plan.
Kyphoplasty vs. Vertebroplasty: What's the Difference?
treat certain painful vertebral compression fractures. Both use bone cement to stabilize a fractured vertebra.
The primary difference is the use of a balloon during kyphoplasty.
| Kyphoplasty | Vertebroplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| Uses a balloon before cement placement | Does not use a balloon | |
| Creates a cavity within the vertebra | Cement is placed directly into the vertebra | |
| May restore some lost vertebral height | Primarily intended to stabilize the fracture | |
| Uses bone cement to stabilize the vertebra | Uses bone cement to stabilize the vertebra |
Neither procedure is automatically the right choice for every compression fracture. Your surgeon will consider the characteristics of the fracture, your symptoms, imaging findings, and other individual factors when recommending treatment.
What Are the Goals of Kyphoplasty?
The primary goals of kyphoplasty are to stabilize the fractured vertebra and reduce pain associated with the fracture. Depending on the individual fracture, the procedure may also help:
Improve mobility
Make standing and walking more comfortable
Restore some vertebral height
Improve function limited by fracture-related pain
Kyphoplasty does not treat every cause of back pain, and individual results vary. Your surgeon will discuss the goals of the procedure and realistic expectations based on your specific fracture.
Recovery After Kyphoplasty
Recovery after kyphoplasty varies based on the patient’s overall health, the number and severity of fractures treated, and other medical factors. Patients are typically encouraged to gradually resume activity according to their surgeon’s instructions. Temporary restrictions may apply to lifting, bending, strenuous exercise, or other activities while the treated area heals.
Post-procedure instructions may include guidance on:
Incision care
Walking and daily activity
Lifting and activity restrictions
Medications
Driving
Follow-up appointments
Returning to work and normal activities
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions based on your procedure and recovery.
Does Kyphoplasty Treat Osteoporosis?
No. Kyphoplasty treats the vertebral compression fracture, not the osteoporosis that may have caused it. This distinction is important because patients who have experienced an osteoporosis-related compression fracture may remain at risk for additional fractures. If osteoporosis or low bone density contributed to the fracture, addressing bone health may be an important part of the overall treatment plan. Appropriate evaluation and management can help identify factors that may contribute to future fracture risk.
Meet Dr. Milo Sanda
Milo Sanda, DO, is a fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Dr. Sanda completed advanced fellowship training in Complex and Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery at The Spine Institute of Louisiana after completing his orthopedic surgery residency at Bon Secours Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center.
His practice includes surgical and nonsurgical treatment of conditions affecting the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, including vertebral compression fractures and other degenerative and structural spine conditions.
His areas of spine care include:
Minimally invasive spine surgery
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty
Laminectomy and spinal decompression
Cervical and lumbar disc replacement
SI joint fusion
Spinal injections
Radiofrequency ablation
Dr. Sanda sees patients for spine care in Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka, Alabama.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kyphoplasty
Is Kyphoplasty Painful?
Anesthesia is used during kyphoplasty to help keep patients comfortable during the procedure. Some soreness around the treatment area may occur afterward. The amount and duration of discomfort vary from patient to patient. Your surgeon will explain what to expect and provide instructions for managing discomfort after the procedure.
How Long Does Kyphoplasty Take?
Procedure time varies depending on the number of vertebrae being treated, the complexity of the fracture, and other individual factors. Your surgeon can provide a more specific estimate based on your planned procedure.
Can You Go Home the Same Day After Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty may be performed as an outpatient procedure for some patients. Whether you go home the same day depends on your overall health, the extent of the procedure, your recovery after anesthesia, and other factors.
How Long Is Recovery After Kyphoplasty?
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Your surgeon will provide individualized instructions regarding walking, lifting, driving, work, exercise, and other activities.
Is Kyphoplasty Better Than Vertebroplasty?
Neither procedure is universally better. Kyphoplasty uses a balloon to create a cavity within the fractured vertebra before bone cement is placed and may help restore some lost vertebral height. Vertebroplasty places cement into the affected vertebra without first using a balloon. The appropriate procedure depends on the fracture and the individual patient.
Will Kyphoplasty Prevent Future Compression Fractures?
Kyphoplasty stabilizes the vertebra being treated, but it does not eliminate the possibility of future fractures. When osteoporosis or another condition has weakened the bones, addressing the underlying bone health is important for reducing future fracture risk.
What Are the Risks of Kyphoplasty?
Like any medical procedure, kyphoplasty has potential risks and complications. These may include infection, bleeding, cement leakage, nerve injury, reaction to anesthesia, or other complications. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives based on your individual condition before the procedure.
Kyphoplasty and Vertebral Compression Fracture Care
Persistent pain from a vertebral compression fracture can interfere with walking, sleeping, and everyday activities. An evaluation can help determine whether the fracture is responsible for your symptoms and whether kyphoplasty or another treatment may be appropriate.
Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons provides specialized Back & Spine care for patients throughout Central Alabama, with Dr. Milo Sanda seeing patients in Montgomery, Prattville, and Wetumpka.
Call (334) 613-9000 or request an appointment online to schedule a spine evaluation, or return to our primary Back Pain Center for more details.