Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive spinal surgical procedure, repairs a compression fracture of a vertebra. The procedure involves a balloon catheter inserted into the spine and inflated to return the vertebra to the correct height. The vertebra is then repaired using bone cement. This procedure helps to relieve pain, restore spinal stability, correct spinal deformity and improve quality of life, as described by the University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. However, as with any surgical procedure, some risks are involved.
Vertebral Fractures
Any type of surgery on the spine requires careful execution. The procedure strives to stabilize a compression fracture, which is most commonly caused by osteoporosis, or the degradation of bone. Other factors which can lead to a compression fracture include falls, trauma to the spine or radiation treatments for cancer.
Because many who undergo this type of surgery suffer from osteoporosis, the surrounding vertebrae are vulnerable to fractures as well. Therefore, kyphoplasty can result in additional vertebral fractures.
Cement Leaks
To repair the crack in the vertebra, bone cement is applied to the area to repair the crack and provide stability to the spine. The use of too much cement or cement leaking out of the vertebra into the spinal canal due to an undetected crack can damage nerves, causing neurological deficits such as reduced feeling, tingling or numbness.
Cement Embolization
In addition to leaking into the spinal canal, bone cement can enter into a vein near the site of the cracked vertebra. When this occurs, the cement can break up into small pieces and travel through the blood vessels, a process known as embolization. If large enough, these pieces can block blood flow. If this occurs in the heart, it can lead to a heart attack; if it occurs in the blood vessels leading to the brain, it can result in a stroke.
Infection
Any surgery which requires penetration through the skin can result in an infection, as described by RadiologyInfo.org. Infection in or near the spinal canal can travel quickly to the brain, making it particularly dangerous.
Death
Death, although rare, can occur as a result of kyphoplasty surgery. Death can result from a heart attack or stroke caused by cement embolization or from infection.
