Do I Need Surgery For A Spinal Fracture?
When someone experiences a spinal decompression fracture, surgical treatment is sometimes the best option. In these cases, balloon kyphoplasty can help to stabilize the spine and restore normal function. Here’s what patients need to know about this minimally invasive surgery.
Why would I need this procedure?
There are a few different types of spinal fractures, and the severity of the injury will influence the treatment options. In some cases, fractures are caused by an accident, such as a car crash. Other times, decompression fractures can be caused by an underlying condition, such as osteoporosis. Depending on the type of fracture, doctors may recommend a minimally invasive surgery called balloon kyphoplasty.
What is balloon kyphoplasty?
Balloon kyphoplasty is a procedure to treat spinal compression fractures. During the operation, the surgeon uses a small instrument to guide a tiny balloon into the fractured bone. Then, the balloon is slowly inflated to help raise the broken bone to the normal positioning. When there is adequate space in the vertebrae, the surgeon removes the balloon and fills the space with a specialized type of cement to stabilize the bones.
What to expect in recovery
Depending on the extent of a person’s injuries, kyphoplasty can take as little as an hour. Often, patients go home the same day of the operation, though this timeframe will depend on a person’s recovery. For some patients, the result is immediate pain relief. For others, pain relief takes a few days. Typically, patients can return to daily activities within a few days, although full recovery will take at least 6 weeks.
Good candidates for the surgery
Balloon kyphoplasty can be an extremely effective treatment for some patients. However, some osteoporosis patients may not be the best candidates for the procedure. People who are going to have surgery should have the procedure within 8 weeks of the original injury.
Other treatment options
Traditionally, spinal fractures were treated with bed rest and pain medication. These methods may still work sometimes. However, balloon kyphoplasty can get patients back to normal sooner. The goal of inserting the balloon into the vertebrae is to help restore height and reduce the bone deformity often seen in osteoporosis patients.
Speak with a surgeon
Any time a fracture occurs, patients should schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider. In some cases, minimally invasive surgery may be the best treatment option. To learn more about the procedure, speak with a spine surgeon.
Recent Posts
Getting Pain Relief: Benefits From The Placement Of A Permanent Neurostimulator
A permanent placement of neurostimulator is effective in managing chronic pain. The device provides pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why The Best Podiatrists Recommend Rapid Tendon Repair Surgery
A tendon injury that needs surgery can take months to heal. A podiatrist-recommended rapid tendon repair can speed up the recovery timeline.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery: Can This Procedure Treat Instability While Preventing Further Injury?
People with ankle instability can fear injury. Ankle stabilization surgery is proven to secure the joint, and improve improve function.
Meniscal Repair: Can This Minimally Invasive Procedure Help Avoid Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is common for pain and stiffness. However, some patients can avoid replacement with meniscal repair.
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
Recent Posts
Getting Pain Relief: Benefits From The Placement Of A Permanent Neurostimulator
A permanent placement of neurostimulator is effective in managing chronic pain. The device provides pain relief and improved quality of life.
Why The Best Podiatrists Recommend Rapid Tendon Repair Surgery
A tendon injury that needs surgery can take months to heal. A podiatrist-recommended rapid tendon repair can speed up the recovery timeline.
Ankle Stabilization Surgery: Can This Procedure Treat Instability While Preventing Further Injury?
People with ankle instability can fear injury. Ankle stabilization surgery is proven to secure the joint, and improve improve function.
Meniscal Repair: Can This Minimally Invasive Procedure Help Avoid Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is common for pain and stiffness. However, some patients can avoid replacement with meniscal repair.
