Health A-Z

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to treat spinal compression fractures, particularly those caused by osteoporosis or trauma. Here's an overview of symptoms, treatment plans, and diagnosis testing related to kyphoplasty surgery

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1. Back pain: Persistent, localized pain in the back, which may worsen with movement or weight-bearing activities.
2. Decreased height: Compression fractures can cause a loss of height due to vertebral collapse.
3. Kyphosis: Forward curvature of the spine, leading to a hunched or rounded back posture.
4. Limited mobility: Difficulty bending or twisting the spine, leading to decreased range of motion.
5. Neurological symptoms: Rarely, spinal compression fractures may cause symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of bowel or bladder control if the fracture impinges on spinal nerves.

1. Conservative management: Mild compression fractures may be managed with conservative treatments such as rest, pain medications, physical therapy, and bracing to support the spine and relieve pain.
2. Kyphoplasty surgery: If conservative treatments fail to provide adequate pain relief or if the fracture is severe, kyphoplasty surgery may be recommended. During the procedure, a small incision is made in the back, and a balloon-like device is inserted into the fractured vertebra. The balloon is inflated to restore vertebral height and create a cavity, and then bone cement is injected into the cavity to stabilize the fracture and relieve pain.
3. Post-operative care: After kyphoplasty surgery, patients may experience immediate pain relief and improved mobility. They may be advised to avoid strenuous activities for a period of time and to gradually resume normal activities as tolerated. Pain medications and physical therapy may be prescribed to aid in recovery.
4. Follow-up appointments: Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider are important to monitor your progress, assess pain levels, and evaluate vertebral alignment on imaging studies.

1. Medical history and physical examination: Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any recent trauma or activities that may have contributed to your back pain.
2. Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI may be performed to visualize the spine and identify compression fractures, evaluate vertebral alignment, and assess the extent of bone damage.
3. Bone density testing: Bone mineral density (BMD) testing, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), may be conducted to assess bone strength and diagnose osteoporosis or osteopenia, which are risk factors for spinal compression fractures.