Back pain, limited mobility, and eventual deformity. As just a few of the complications caused by Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF), it’s vital to seek specialist medical attention to help you return to the activities that you love most. With a range of options available depending on your VCF severity levels and personal preferences, getting the skip back in your step is just a procedure away.

A minimally-invasive procedure, kyphoplasty is lauded for its ability to transform mobility status, kyphosis deformity, and pain levels in VCF patients, an often debilitating diagnosis caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or bone disease. Performed by highly-acclaimed Dr. Ayad Agha D.O., a board-certified interventional radiologist, kyphoplasty is a premier treatment choice for patients who are at risk of becoming bedridden due to damaged vertebrae, with a staggering success rate.

How does it work?

A cutting-edge procedure, kyphoplasty has the benefit of minimal recovery times due to the minuscule incision required. With an approximate 1-hour procedure time, performed under local or general anesthesia, it’s often a preferred option to traditional surgical possibilities.

A balloon is inserted into the patient’s back through an ultra-narrow tube, using X-Ray imaging to guide it into the targeted region where the fracture resides. The balloon is then inflated, elevating the vertebrae’s height and allowing the fracture to return to its original setting. Met with exceptional precision, the balloon is then replaced with bone cement, consisting of a liquid monomer and a copolymer powder, known as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). Hardening immediately, the cavity becomes stabilized by the substance.

What are the benefits?

An incredibly effective procedure with long-term results, patients will experience noticeable back pain reduction, with pain levels dropping continuously for north of 1 year. With immediate results for many patients, studies have found that pain levels reduce by 72%, from 9/10 to a 2/10. As well as distinct transformations in pain levels, other improvements have been reported, such as a progression in back function, quality of life, and a reduction in opioid use. Helping you resume daily activities, exercise, and return to the life you left behind.

Are there risks involved?

A notably low-risk procedure, kyphoplasty is renowned for its short recovery times and under 1% complication rate, making it the safest treatment for VCF. That said, any procedure should be embarked on with caution, with anesthesia side effects, infection at the entry point, nerve damage, allergic reactions, and embolism all named as possible risk factors. At IYA Medical, our experienced medical professionals undertake stringent checks to ensure a seamless procedure, putting you in the safest of hands.

Am I eligible?

Ultimately, kyphoplasty is offered predominately to patients who are not improving on their current treatment plan and are at risk of severe deterioration. An exceptionally targeted procedure, it is solely used in patients who have suffered a vertebral fracture and is not used for other causes, such as ruptured disks or arthritis. For optimal results, the procedure should be conducted within 8 weeks of the fracture.