Kyphoplasty Reduces Healthcare Costs and Restores Quality of Life

What Is a Kyphoplasty Procedure?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures. A vertebral compression fracture occurs when one or more of the bones in the spine collapse or become compressed. The most common cause of this is Osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to fractures.

“We use a special catheter that is equipped with a small balloon and lead it directly to the compressed vertebra,” said National Spine and Pain Centers’ affiliated physician Dr. Daniel Kendall. “The balloon is inflated in the broken bone to create a void. Special bone cement is injected into the void to stabilize the vertebra. This often results in regained height so that the crumbled vertebrae no longer press on nearby nerves causing pain.”

Also known as vertebral augmentation, Kyphoplasty significantly reduces healthcare costs and improves patients' long-term health. “With this procedure, we can eliminate the need for medications. Also, because it is performed on an outpatient basis in our office procedure suites, we eliminate the need for general anesthesia and prolonged hospital stays.”

Reduced Hospitalization and Rehabilitation Time

One of the primary ways that Kyphoplasty reduces healthcare costs is by reducing the amount of time that patients need to spend in the hospital and in rehabilitation. Traditional treatment options for vertebral compression fractures, such as bed rest and pain medication, often require extended hospitalization and rehabilitation. This can be costly for patients and healthcare providers alike.

How Long Does it Take To Recover From a Kyphoplasty Procedure?

Kyphoplasty is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about an hour to perform. Most patients are able to leave the hospital the same day and can often return to their normal activities within a few days, though heavy lifting should be avoided at your physician’s orders.

Improved Quality of Life

Kyphoplasty improves the quality of life of patients with vertebral compression fractures. These fractures can be extremely debilitating, making it difficult for patients to perform even basic activities of daily living. This can lead to a range of physical and psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, and social isolation.

Many patients report less pain, improved mobility, and a greater ability to perform daily activities. This improves not only their physical health but also their mental health and social well-being.

Kyphoplasty & Cancer Patients

One study also looked at the effectiveness of Kyphoplasty for fractures specifically caused by cancer and found positive results.

In the Cancer Patient Fracture Evaluation (CAFE) trial, research authors concluded that “Kyphoplasty is an effective and safe treatment that rapidly reduces pain and improves function.”

The research, across 22 sites and including 134 people, evaluated how patients responded either to a Kyphoplasty procedure or to a control treatment of medications and physical therapy. In the end, a high number of patients in the control group ended up crossing over and choosing to undergo the Kyphoplasty when permitted to do so at a pre-set time point.

Seek Treatment from Our Affiliated Specialists

For patients with pain from compression fractures, Kyphoplasty is a safe, effective, and scientifically proven treatment available for rapid relief.

Interested in learning more? Speak to our affiliated specialists today at a location near you!