Kyphoplasty
Treating Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCFs) Effectively
Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) affect over 750,000 people in the U.S. each year, yet two out of three individuals remain undiagnosed and untreated. At STAR Health, we believe our patients deserve better care. Evidence shows that VCFs carry over a 50% higher risk of death within a year when managed conservatively instead of surgically. Therefore, VCFs should not be ignored or simply treated with braces, bed rest, and medications. Most patients with VCFs require a vertebral augmentation procedure such as kyphoplasty—consider that one life is saved for every 15 patients treated with this method.
Innovative Pain Management Specialist
Dr. Joseph Fortin offers a range of innovative treatments, including kyphoplasty, to provide relief from back pain. To learn more about this minimally invasive surgical procedure, call our office today or book an appointment online.
STAR Health offers many innovative treatments, including kyphoplasty, to help patients get relief from their back pain. To learn more about this minimally invasive surgical procedure, call the office today or book an appointment online.
What is kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat vertebral compression fractures. Your spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae. A vertebral compression fracture occurs when a vertebra is subjected to excessive load beyond its weight-bearing capacity.
These fractures typically develop after an injury and are most commonly seen in individuals with osteoporosis—a chronic condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures. In patients with osteoporosis, fractures can result from minor slips, falls, or even spontaneous events. Vertebral compression fractures may cause severe back pain, loss of height, and spinal deformity.
Who needs kyphoplasty?
A kyphoplasty is typically necessary if you have a vertebral compression fracture that results in more than a minor defect in your vertebrae. Since the spine serves as the primary weight-bearing axis of the body, a defect affecting its alignment can significantly impact mobility and lung function.
Dr. Fortin will conduct a comprehensive evaluation at STAR Health to determine if kyphoplasty is the right procedure for you. He will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and discuss the details of the kyphoplasty procedure during your evaluation.
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What happens during kyphoplasty?
A kyphoplasty is typically necessary if you have a vertebral compression fracture that results in more than a minor defect in your vertebrae. Since the spine serves as the primary weight-bearing axis of the body, a defect affecting its alignment can significantly impact mobility and lung function.
Dr. Fortin will conduct a comprehensive evaluation at STAR Health to determine if kyphoplasty is the right procedure for you. He will develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and discuss the details of the kyphoplasty procedure during your evaluation
How long is recovery after kyphoplasty?
While some soreness is common after kyphoplasty, most patients report less pain and improved mobility within 48 hours post-procedure. During your initial consultation, Dr. Fortin will thoroughly review the recovery process so you know what to expect following the kyphoplasty. Many patients successfully resume their usual active lifestyles without pain or reduced mobility.
If you have a compression fracture and wish to return to your active lifestyle without pain, schedule a consultation to learn more about kyphoplasty.