13-Jun-06 10:00 AM CST

Kyphoplasty Restores Spine Height, Shape

Straightening the Curve
Kyphoplasty Restores Spine Height, Shape
By Raul Sepulveda, MD, and Samuel Alianell, MD

Vertebral compression fractures in patients with osteoporosis usually produce severe pain. Because of the loss of height of the vertebra, these fractures may produce changes in the curvature of the spine called kyphosis, or “dowager’s hump.”

The patient usually becomes shorter in stature. The spinal deformity, pain, impaired function, and decreased mobility can actually lead to more bone loss. Depending on the locations of the fractures, shortness of breath can also result. This is due to diminution in the chest size.

Due to the severity of the symptoms, some patients become increasingly dependent upon others. After the first vertebral compression fracture occurs, the risk of subsequent fractures is increased. Therefore, it is ideal to try to prevent osteoporosis and, if it develops, to treat it with proper exercise, diet, smoking cessation, and medication when necessary.

In patients who develop vertebral fractures that are not treatable with conservative measures, we have the option of a minimally invasive procedure call kyphoplasty, in which inflatable bone tamps are introduced into the vertebral bodies. Once inflated, the bone tamps at least partially restore the vertebral body back to its original height and create a cavity that can be filled with bone cement.

Frequently, this is very helpful in partially alleviating pain and also helping reduce fractures. The procedure diminishes the loss of spinal curvature and helps prevent the formation of the dowager’s hump. More than 17,000 kyphoplasty procedures have been performed nationally and internationally over the last several years.

For additional information on this article, please contact:

Raul Sepulveda, M.D.

Source: KSF Orthoapedic Center, P.A.

http://www.ksfortho.com