Kyphoplasty Specialist

What is kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that treats vertebral compression fractures. These types of fractures are wedge-shaped breaks in the vertebral bone that affect the structure and function of your spine. 

Vertebral compression fractures may occur after a traumatic accident. However, osteoporosis is the most common cause of the wedge-shaped break. Osteoporosis causes bones to be weak and more susceptible to breaks. 

During kyphoplasty, Dr. Gentile restores normal vertebral height to the fractured bone using a special surgical cement. Restoring the normal height of your vertebrae alleviates pain and improves spine health and function. 

Am I a candidate for kyphoplasty?

When you visit Indiana Spine Group, Dr. Gentile conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you’re a candidate for kyphoplasty.

He performs the minimally invasive procedure to treat painful vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. 

You may not be a good candidate if you have a fragmented vertebral compression fracture, which means pieces of bone are floating too close to your spine. 

What happens during kyphoplasty?

Dr. Gentile reviews the details of your kyphoplasty procedure at your consultation, so you know what to expect. The procedure takes about an hour. Dr. Gentile administers intravenous sedation to ease anxiety and prevent pain during the procedure.

Once properly sedated, Dr. Gentile uses X-ray guided-imaging and inserts a needle into the fractured vertebrae. He then inflates a balloon attached to the needle to restore vertebral height and injects the surgical cement.

After kyphoplasty, Dr. Gentile sends you to the recovery area for monitoring and discharges you home the same day. Though, depending on your needs and medical history, Dr. Gentile may request an overnight stay at the hospital following kyphoplasty. 

How long is recovery following kyphoplasty?

You should be able to walk within an hour after kyphoplasty. Though you may experience some soreness for up to three days after the procedure, you should immediately notice an improvement in your back pain. 

Dr. Gentile provides specific instructions for care and activity modification following kyphoplasty to optimize healing, health, and rehabilitation.

Though results vary, many people experience long-term relief from their back pain following kyphoplasty. The sooner your fracture is repaired, the better the results. 

To learn more about kyphoplasty at Indiana Spine Group, call the office or book an appointment online today.