Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty in Castle Rock
What are Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty?
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or certain cancers. These fractures can lead to severe pain, reduced mobility, and spinal deformity. Both procedures involve stabilizing the fractured vertebra with medical-grade bone cement to relieve pain and restore spinal function.
Vertebroplasty involves injecting bone cement directly into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it and prevent further collapse.
Kyphoplasty includes an additional step in which a small balloon is inserted and inflated to restore vertebral height before injecting the cement.
How do Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty Work?
In both procedures, bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it, reduce pain, and prevent further collapse. The cement hardens quickly, providing immediate structural support. Kyphoplasty, with its balloon inflation step, can also help restore some lost vertebral height, reducing spinal deformity and improving posture.
What Conditions are Treated with Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty?
These procedures are commonly used to treat:
Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Traumatic vertebral fractures
Fractures caused by metastatic cancer or multiple myeloma
Painful vertebral fractures that do not respond to conservative treatments
How Should I Prepare for Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty?
Before your procedure, inform Dr. Carrera’s team about any medications you are taking, especially blood thinners. You may need to temporarily stop certain medications before the procedure.
You will usually receive IV awake sedation for this procedure, meaning you will need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand. Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure, as mild soreness or temporary numbness in the treated area may occur.
What Happens During Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty?
Patient Positioning: You will lie face down on a treatment table.
Local Anesthesia: The skin over the treatment area is numbed to minimize discomfort.
Guided Needle Placement: Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, Dr. Carrera inserts a small needle into the fractured vertebra.
Balloon Inflation (Kyphoplasty Only): In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is inflated inside the vertebra to create space and restore height.
Cement Injection: Bone cement is injected into the vertebra, filling the fracture and stabilizing the bone.
Completion: The cement hardens within minutes, stabilizing the vertebra.
The procedure typically takes 30 minutes.
How Painful is Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty?
Most patients report mild to moderate discomfort during the procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area before the procedure begins. Patients commonly describe feeling pressure rather than sharp pain. With IV awake sedation, about 50% of patients do not remember the procedure.
What Should I do After Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty?
Avoid strenuous activities for two weeks following the procedure.
Resume light activities as tolerated, following Dr. Carrera’s recommendations.
Mild soreness at the injection site is normal and usually resolves within a few days.
Contact Dr. Carrera if you experience new or worsening pain, fevers, or chills.
When Will I Experience Pain Relief After Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty?
Most patients experience significant pain relief within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Some patients notice improvement almost immediately. It is normal to still have residual muscle pain, as muscles weaken and stiffen following a compression fracture. Physical therapy can help address these symptoms if necessary.
How Long do the Benefits of Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty Last?
Pain relief from kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty is typically long-lasting, especially when combined with osteoporosis treatment to prevent future fractures.
What are the Risks of Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty?
While generally safe, these procedures do have some risks:
Common Side Effects:
Mild soreness at the injection site
Temporary nerve irritation
Rare but Serious Risks:
Cement leakage, which can compress nearby nerves and require surgery, or travel to the lungs and cause breathing difficulties
Infection
Nerve injury
Fracture of nearby vertebrae
Dr. Carrera uses advanced imaging guidance and precision techniques to minimize these risks.
Are Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty Covered by Insurance?
Medicare and most commercial insurance companies cover these procedures for osteoporotic compression fractures or fractures related to cancer. Coverage eligibility is based on medical necessity and failure of conservative treatments.
Who Can Perform a Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty Procedure?
These procedures should be performed by physicians with expertise in spinal interventions. Dr. Carrera is double-board certified in interventional pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), making him uniquely qualified to perform kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty safely and effectively.
Dr. Carrera performs these procedures in a hospital-based procedure suite with IV awake sedation in most cases. This sedation minimizes discomfort while avoiding the risks of general anesthesia. In cases involving multiple fractures, general anesthesia may be used for patient comfort.
Dr. Carrera uses advanced imaging guidance (fluoroscopy) to ensure precise needle placement and optimal fracture stabilization.
While some offices take up to six weeks to schedule kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, Dr. Carrera’s team can typically perform the procedure within 3 to 14 days, ensuring timely treatment.
Should my Loved One or I get a Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty?
If you or a family member are experiencing persistent back pain due to a vertebral compression fracture, and are wondering if kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty is the right treatment, a consultation with Dr. Carrera and his team can help determine eligibility.
Patients in Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Denver, and surrounding areas are encouraged to call the office at 720-455-3775 to schedule a visit and learn more.