If you are suffering from a compression fracture we know how painful and frustrating it can be. Perhaps you’ve tried multiple treatment options but they’re just not working for you. Maybe you’re still looking for the right treatment in Phoenix, Arizona. Whatever the case may be, you’ve probably been suffering for far too long. It’s time to reduce your pain and improve your life by correctly treating your compression fracture.
While braces and other medical approaches can relieve symptoms, you’re not exactly addressing the problem. Although scheduling an appointment with a new physician can be worrisome, a balloon kyphoplasty procedure is a great long-term solution for compression fractures.
What is a Balloon Kyphoplasty Procedure?
In case you’ve never heard of balloon kyphoplasty, let’s talk a little bit about what the procedure entails. It’s best described as a surgical procedure focused on relieving pain caused by compression fractures in the spine. During the procedure, a catheter is placed with a balloon directly into the collapsed vertebra so the balloon can be inflated and restore the height of the vertebrae that collapsed.
From here, surgical cement is carefully injected to keep the height of the vertebrae restored. The best part about this procedure is that it is minimally invasive and is an outpatient procedure that provides immediate pain relief for most patients. This means you could return to your normal activities the very next day! When you’re ready to get this procedure done, you’ll want to make sure you’re up to speed on the preparation, procedure, and recovery.
Preparing for a Balloon Kyphoplasty Appointment
While preparing for any procedure can be scary it is important to note that at Desert Vein and Vascular Institute, in Peoria, Arizona, balloon kyphoplasty procedure is minimally invasive. This means that a patient avoids surgery. Kyphoplasty is performed with only one or two small incisions about 1cm long, making a small pathway into the fractured bone.
How to prepare for balloon kyphoplasty procedure:
- Write down all your questions to bring to the doctor so you don’t forget any
- Tell your doctor about all of the medications and health remedies that you take.
- Some medicines, such as blood thinners, aspirin or ibuprofen, and some natural remedies can increase the risk of bleeding. Find out if you need to stop taking these before the procedure.
- Maintain healthy habits prior to the procedure by eating healthy and avoiding tobacco and alcohol
What to Expect on the Day of Your Kyphoplasty Surgery.
On the day of your procedure, it is important to arrive on time with all of the necessary documents and IDs. When it is time to have the procedure done we will start by utilizing either local or general anesthesia, the type used depends on many factors that you and your doctor will discuss prior to the procedure. The procedure will take about a half-hour per spinal level treated. When the procedure is complete and it’s time to go home, you’ll want to have a friend or family member drive you home and not resume any driving until you’re no longer taking pain medications.
What to Expect During Post Kyphoplasty Recovery
Breathe a sigh of relief. Immediately after your kyphoplasty procedure, you should feel a reduction in the pain you’ve been experiencing. When you get home, it is important to take some time to recover to ensure that the procedure is long-lasting. There’s no need to create risks by jumping back into the swing of things. Follow these instructions for recovery:
- Avoid heavy physical activity for 24 hours
- Avoid heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks
- Get plenty of rest
- Take pain medications and follow the pain management instructions as directed
- Follow your doctor’s instructions about resuming taking your medications
- Wait 24 hours to shower or bathe
- Keep your incision covered for 24 hours
If you’ve already had the procedure and are experiencing continued back pain after kyphoplasty it could be caused by a number of reasons: irritation, a new fracture, or an issue with the procedure. If you are experiencing continued back pain after kyphoplasty it is important to get back to your physician right away and illustrate the importance of selecting the right specialist.
If you have any further questions about compression fractures of the spine or balloon kyphoplasty procedure schedule an appointment to discuss in person with Dr. Rami in Peoria, Arizona.