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What is a Spinal Fracture?

Understand the Risk

Understand Balloon Kyphoplasty

If you have a spinal fracture, there are treatment options. Pain relievers can help relieve the discomfort caused by a spinal fracture

Spinal fracture

A fracture of any element of the spinal column.

, but they do nothing to address the fracture itself. In fact, treatment with pain relievers alone allows the fracture to heal in a permanently deformed state.

The good news is, there's a minimally invasive treatment called Balloon Kyphoplasty

Balloon Kyphoplasty

A minimally invasive treatment option for patients with vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). The procedure uses orthopedic balloons and cement to create an internal cast to repair the fracture.

that can repair spinal fractures. It is an effective and clinically proven procedure performed by a spine specialist. It takes about an hour to treat a fracture with Balloon Kyphoplasty and it can be performed as an inpatient or outpatient procedure under local

Local anesthesia

The administration of anesthetic drugs to confine loss of sensation to a specific area; e.g., a "numbing shot" from the dentist. When local anesthesia is used, the patient is often awake and responsive.

or general anesthesia

General anesthesia

The administration of anesthesia drugs during a surgical procedure to induce a state of total unconsciousness.

Only your doctor can diagnose spinal fractures and recommend treatment. Your doctor will help determine the best treatment option for you.

If your doctor recommends Balloon Kyphoplasty, it is best to have the procedure done as soon as possible. Balloon Kyphoplasty is designed to:

• Correct the spinal deformity

Spinal deformity
A medical condition where the spine assumes an abnormal shape.
caused by your fracture ^{(Ledlie 2006)}
• Significantly reduce pain with rapid relief ^{(Garfin 2006)}
• Return your day-to-day life to its usual pace ^{(Garfin 2006)}
• Help you stay strong, mobile, and independent ^{(Garfin 2006)}

The Procedure
Through two 1-centimeter incisions in the back, two tiny balloons are inserted into the fracture bone and inflated. This is designed to realign the vertebra

Vertebra (plural form: vertebrae)

Small bones that join together in a line to form the backbone or spine. Any one of the 33 bones that form the spinal column.

and correct the vertebral deformity caused by the fracture.

After the balloons are gently deflated and removed, the space inside the bone is filled with a special cement to set the bone, forming an internal cast. Most patients return to usual activity within a few days.

Although the complication rate with Balloon Kyphoplasty has been demonstrated to be low, as with most surgical procedures, there are risks associated with Balloon Kyphoplasty, including serious complications. Consult with your doctor for a full discussion of risks.

The Results
Best results for repairing a fracture with Balloon Kyphoplasty are achieved when the fracture is diagnosed and treated as early as possible. That's why it's important to know your risks and to be aware of any new pain in your back. Start taking charge now by completing our Risk Assessment.

Next: Take the Risk Assessment now »

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