In-Office Kyphoplasty Procedure

by Paul R. Alongi, MD

Osteoporosis is a common condition that affects many patients and is characterized by decreased bone strength and density. It predisposes patients to fragility fractures and possibly spinal deformity. Patients with osteoporosis are particularly prone to vertebral body compression fractures. These fractures can result from low level trauma such as a fall, lifting or bending. Sometimes these fractures occur from no trauma at all. When these fractures occur the vertebral body collapses which causes extreme pain, deformity and loss of height. Vertebral body compression fractures can be very painful and debilitating. There are various treatment options available for vertebral body compression fractures depending on the location of the fracture and the severity of the symptoms. Patients with mild symptoms can usually be treated successfully with 6-8 weeks of brace treatment.  Patients with moderate to severe symptoms may benefit from a kyphoplasty procedure.  The procedure reduces the patient’s pain, prevents additional spinal deformity and allows the patient to resume normal daily activities.  Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure.  The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia or IV sedation (similar sedation used for colonoscopy).  The procedure involves placing a small tube through the skin into the fractured vertebra under x-ray guidance.  Then a small device is placed through the tube into the fractured vertebra to create a cavity and restore vertebral body height.  The device is then removed and acrylic bone cement is carefully placed within the vertebral body to support the fractured vertebra.  The procedure results in significant pain reduction and alleviates the need for a brace.  For our patients’ convenience Kyphoplasty is performed in the office at Orthopedic Spine Care of Long Island.  Orthopedic Spine Care of Long Island has AAAASF certified procedure room dedicated to these types of procedures.