Kyphoplasty in Memphis

If you’ve had the misfortune of experiencing a vertical compression fracture (VCF) or a break in one of your vertebrae, you know just how painful even simple movements can be. If a vertebra becomes chipped or damaged, the sufferer may experience discomfort caused by the rubbing of bone fragments against sensitive spinal tissue, or from more than one section of your spine grinding against another due to the lack of space between the two vertebrae. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence with osteoporosis and cancer. Managing a debilitating disease is hard enough without adding constant spinal pain on top of it. Spinal injuries also become more common as we get older, but kyphoplasty can bring relief and restore mobility.

What is Kyphoplasty?

During a kyphoplasty, the surgeon makes a small incision in the back through which an inflatable balloon will be inserted. The inflated cavity which is created by the balloon is then filled with cement. This elevates the fracture and restores the vertebrae to their pre-fracture height. The difference between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty is the use of the inflatable balloon that helps restore vertebral height and spinal alignment, allows the more controlled spread of the cement, decreases potential complications, and lessens long-term mortality risk associated with vertebral compression fractures.

Candidates For Kyphoplasty

This procedure is recommended for individuals who may be susceptible to reduced bone density issues caused by cancer or osteoporosis. However, it’s important to note that kyphoplasty is not performed as a preventative measure, and is used almost exclusively for spinal fractures. It is not recommended for patients struggling with arthritis, scoliosis, or a herniated disk. Additionally, kyphoplasty is typically suggested for older patients only.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From Kyphoplasty?

One of the greatest benefits of this type of surgery is that it has very little downtime. In fact, most individuals can resume their normal day-to-day routines with little to no restriction. Kyphoplasty is an outpatient procedure performed that our providers perform at the clinic. There’s no need for hospitalization. If your doctor feels as though you need to restrict any activities, those will be discussed after your surgery.

Some patients report feeling a little localized soreness at the injection site of your procedure, but this should dissipate within a few days’ time.

Potential Risks

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved with kyphoplasty. These risks include potential infection, worsening of back pain, bleeding, nerve damage, allergic reaction, and other complications. For more information on risks and complications, speak to your provider.

Your Campbell Clinic Kyphoplasty Specialist in Memphis

Dee Dockery, M.D.

Specialties: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Spine
Locations: Wolf River