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Louisiana Pain Specialists and the Kyphoplasty Procedure

Louisiana Pain Specialists Blog Louisiana Pain Specialists and the Kyphoplasty Procedure
Louisiana Pain Specialists and the Kyphoplasty Procedure

Vertebral Compression Fractures: Causes and Symptoms

Vertebral compression fractures can be painful and debilitating. These fractures are collapsed vertebrae, usually in the thoracic (mid) or lumbar (low) regions of the spine and are often caused by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis erodes material from the bony vertebrae, making them susceptible to collapse when pressure is applied. Other causes of vertebral compressions fractures may be:

Left untreated, the fractures with not only cause pain, but they may heal in a collapsed position, causing loss of height or a deformed spine. There are some distinctive signs of vertebral compression fractures that can alert you if one has happened. You should be especially aware of any of these symptoms if you are over age 50, female, or diagnosed with osteoporosis because of your elevated risk:

Kyphoplasty Procedure

What is a Kyphoplasty?

In the occurrence of vertebral compression fractures, our providers at Louisiana Pain Specialists can offer our patients something called a kyphoplasty. A kyphoplasty is a minimally-invasive procedure to treat these painful, wedge-shaped fractures in the spine. The goals of kyphoplasty are to reduce pain from the fracture, stabilize the vertebra, and restore the vertebra back to its normal height. During the procedure, through a small, ½ inch incision over the affected area, a balloon is first inserted and inflated to expand the compressed vertebra to its normal height before filling the space with bone cement. The procedures are repeated for each affected vertebra. The cement-strengthened vertebra allows you to stand straight, reduces your pain, and prevents further fractures. This procedure is done under fluoroscopy (x-ray) and can be performed either in the office or at a surgery center. After a short waiting period in our recovery area, patients will go home the same day the procedure is performed.

 

Kyphoplasty Procedure

Kyphoplasty Procedure

Kyphoplasty Procedure

Kyphoplasty Procedure

 

After The Procedure

For some patients, pain relief after a kyphoplasty may be immediate. In others, elimination or reduction of pain is reported within just a few days. At home, patients can return to their normal daily activities, although strenuous exertion, such as heavy lifting, should be avoided until you have clearance for these activities from your doctor.

If you, or someone you know, was recently diagnosed with a compression fracture in the vertebral spine, or if you think you the kyphoplasty procedure might be right for you, call our providers at Louisiana Pain Specialists to make an appointment today so our team can help you get pain free and back to the things you love to do!

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