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| How Balloon Kyphoplasty Works |
Medtronic
Balloon Kyphoplasty Procedure
What is a Spinal Fracture?
A spinal fracture occurs when one of the bones in the spinal column breaks. This type of fracture is also known as a vertebral compression fracture because the bone that breaks (the vertebral body) often cracks and collapses, becoming compressed.
The bones in your spinal column are different than the bones elsewhere in your skeleton. For example, the long bones in your legs are more rigid and dense than the square bones in your spine.
Strong, dense bone enables your legs to withstand rigorous movement. The vertebral bodies, however, are less dense and more "spongy," to accommodate movements like bending and twisting. Because your vertebral bodies aren't as strong as the bones in your legs, they can become more vulnerable to fracture.
Certain diseases, such as osteoporosis or cancer, are known to cause loss of bone mass and changes in bone structure, making them brittle and weak. Genetic factors and certain lifestyles, such as a low calcium diet, can also damage bone. Over time, the vertebral bodies can become so weak that normal activities such as bending over or lifting a bag of groceries can cause a spinal fracture. You can't feel the changes in your bones while they are happening. In fact, many people are unaware that there is anything wrong until a fracture occurs.
The Causes of Spinal Fractures
If your bones are healthy, it takes an injury of considerable force to cause a fracture.
A spinal fracture (also called a vertebral compression fracture) occurs when one of the bones of the spinal column fractures or collapses. When more than one spinal fracture occurs, loss of height or spinal deformities such as a dowager's hump may result.
Certain conditions, including osteoporosis, cancer and long-term use of steroids or other drugs, can make your bones fragile and more likely to break. In older adults, osteoporosis is the primary cause of spinal fractures.
For many, the pain caused by spinal fractures severely limits activity and reduces overall quality of life. [22,51,52,67] Over time, the pain may go away as the fracture heals in its deformed position, but for some, the fractured vertebra continues to break and the pain persists.
If spinal fractures are not treated properly, they can cause serious medical consequences.[22,51,52,67] Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can reduce back pain and sometimes correct the spinal deformity.
As of the end of the third quarter 2008, we have treated over 393,000 patients and 460,000 fractures worldwide with balloon kyphoplasty since we commercialized our products in 2000.
This achievement was made possible by the 12,800 spine specialists worldwide who are helping to establish balloon kyphoplasty as the standard of care for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures.
What is Balloon Kyphoplasty and how can it help me?
If you have been diagnosed with a spinal fracture caused by osteoporosis, cancer or benign tumors, balloon kyphoplasty is a treatment option you may want to consider. Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can significantly reduce back pain and repair the broken bone of a spinal fracture.
The procedure is called balloon kyphoplasty because orthopaedic balloons are used to lift the fractured bone and return it to the correct position.
Before the procedure, you will have a medical exam and undergo diagnostic studies such as X-rays, to determine the precise location of the fracture. Balloon kyphoplasty can be done under local or general anesthesia—your physician will decide which option is appropriate for you.
Balloon kyphoplasty takes about one hour per fracture treated. It can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on medical necessity. After the procedure, you will likely be transferred to the Recovery Room for about an hour for observation.
While in the hospital, you may be encouraged to walk and move about. Patients usually report immediate relief from pain [17,19,29] and are able to walk and move about during their hospital stay.
Your doctor will probably schedule a follow-up visit and explain limitations, if any, on your activity. Most patients report being satisfied with the procedure and are gradually able to resume activity once discharged from the hospital. [17,19]
As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and serious adverse events can occur. Be sure to discuss these with your doctor.
Also, please note that not all patients are candidates for balloon kyphoplasty.
What are the symptoms of a spinal fracture? What is osteoporosis? How does "normal" back pain compare with pain from a spinal fracture? For answers to these questions and many more, see the Frequently Asked Questions area on our website.
For more information on the Balloon Kyphoplasty Procedure, please contact:
Medtronic
Balloon Kyphoplasty Procedure
Phone: 800-652-221
Email: Medtronic - Balloon Kyphoplasty
Website: www.Kyphon.com