Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that we use to treat spinal compression fractures caused by spinal tumors, cancer, or osteoporosis, a condition characterized by having weak or brittle bones that break easily. With osteoporosis, you’re more at risk for spinal compression fractures. If you have severe back pain that gets worse when you try to carry groceries or other heavy items and you have a hunched appearance, it’s time to get a proper evaluation.
Here at the Enhance Center for Interventional Spine & Sports Medicine, Dr. Ayman Tarabishy uses kyphoplasty to treat compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. When you come in for your consultation, he reviews your medical records, examines you, and may order X-rays, (MRI) Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography (CT) scan to determine the cause of your back pain.
If you do have a compression fracture, kyphoplasty may be the best treatment option. You can feel confident with Dr. Tarabishy’s diagnosis because he’s board-certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation and interventional pain management. He’s known for helping his patients with compression fractures get back to living pain-free lives as quickly as possible.
Kyphoplasty is a procedure known as vertebral augmentation. It works by stabilizing and restoring your vertebrae to their normal height inflating a special balloon then stabilizing the fracture using bone cement. Here are some of the benefits of kyphoplasty:
Once you’re under anesthesia, Dr. Tarabishy inserts a thin wire through your back and into your damaged vertebrae where he creates a small pocket by inflating a special balloon and fills it with bone cement. He uses X-ray guidance to ensure the exact location. As the cement hardens over about 10 minutes, it helps your vertebrae expand, strengthen, and stabilize.
Many of our patients notice a decrease in their pain level immediately after undergoing kyphoplasty, although you may be a little sore for a few days. You can manage the soreness with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication.
If you have osteoporosis and think you may have a spinal compression fracture, it’s time to get checked out. Put your care in the experienced hands of Dr. Tarabishy at the Enhance Center for Interventional Spine & Sports Medicine in Livonia, Michigan. Call us to schedule an appointment today.
