Kyphoplasty Can Help Improve Quality of Life for Patients in Pinellas County
Your spine is composed of small block-like bones known as vertebrae. A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) is a type of very painful spinal fracture that occurs when the large portion of that bone, referred to as the vertebral body, collapses. VCFs affect over 700,000 patients in the U.S. alone every year, and are typically the result of osteoporosis. They can be very painful and lead to:
- Severe spinal deformity
- Severe back pain
- Loss of height
- Immobility
- Depression
- Increased number of bed days
- Reduced pulmonary function
- Premature death
At Minimally Invasive Spine Care, we can perform a kyphoplasty procedure that helps correct the bone deformity and relieves the pain associated with spinal compression fractures. Kyphoplasty, also known as balloon vertebroplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure. The specialist will use a needle and a tube to create a small pathway into the fractured bone. A small balloon is then guided through the tube into the vertebra using an incision site that’s approximately 1 cm in length.
During the procedure, the balloon is carefully inflated to raise the collapsed vertebra and return it to its normal position. Inflation of the balloon creates a cavity in the vertebral body. Once the vertebra is in the correct position, the balloon is deflated and removed. The cavity is then filled with bone cement, forming an “internal cast” to support the surrounding bone and prevent further collapse.
Numerous studies report the following benefits of having the kyphoplasty procedure, including:
- Correction of vertebral body deformity
- Significant and rapid reduction in back pain
- Improvement in quality of life
- Increased mobility and the ability to perform daily activities
- Reduction in the number of days per month that a patient remains in bed
- Low complication rate (less than 1 percent)
The kyphoplasty procedure, which is done using local anesthesia and sedation, typically takes about one hour per fracture. Contact Minimally Invasive Spine Care today to learn more about kyphoplasty and determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
Why Choose Minimally Invasive Spine Care?
For many people, pain is a constant presence. It can make daily tasks difficult or it can be entirely debilitating. Minimally Invasive Spine Care specialists, working together with you, can help relieve or decrease your pain and assist your return to your daily activities. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and other painful conditions, including low back, neck, and other musculoskeletal injuries and deformities, cancer, shingles, long COVID symptoms, and many more.
Our team is led by Gerald E. Trimble, MD, who is a Diplomat of the American Board of Anesthesiologists and has also received a Certificate of Additional Qualifications in Pain Management awarded by the American Board of Anesthesiology—the only pain management certification recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. With decades of experience in pain management and spinal procedures, Dr. Trimble provides the highest level of care, so you can rest easy knowing you’re in the best hands.
To learn more about Minimally Invasive Spine Care and the ways we can ease your pain and make a positive difference in your life, contact us today.
If you would like to schedule a consultation, you may request an appointment here.
or call us at 727-553-7313