Kyphoplasty is a radiologic procedure in which a balloon is inserted between the vertebrae to restore them to their normal height and position. Bone concrete is then injected between the bones to keep them in their corrected positions. According to the journal Supportive Oncology, kyphoplasty is usually indicated for unrelieved pain due to compression fractures. Kyphoplasty, however, is contraindicated in some medical situations.
Young Age
Radiology Info, a website jointly developed by the American College of Radiology and the Radiologic Society of North America, reports that kyphoplasty is contraindicated in patients of young age with otherwise healthy bones. This is because there is a lack of clinical experience regarding the long-term presence of bone cement in a vertebral body. It is also not recommended as a first-line treatment method for vertebral fractures that resulted from an accident or injury, again due to the limited knowledge regarding how well the cement will hold up over an extended period of time.
Spinal Curvatures
Kyphoplasty is contraindicated in patients with spinal curvatures. According to Radiology Info, spinal curvatures include conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis. The Spine Institute of New York reports that for conditions such as scoliosis and kyphosis, bone cement is not sufficient to straighten the spine.
Infections, Allergies, Herniations
Supportive Oncology and Radiology Info both cite kyphoplasty as being contraindicated in patients with active infections or allergies to contrast dye. Kyphoplasty is not recommended for patients with herniated discs or those with a history of spinal stenosis.
Pregnancy
Supportive Oncology notes that kyphoplasty is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the need for extensive X-ray imaging prior to and after the procedure.
Spinal Tumors and Degenerative Discs
Radiology Info reports that patients with solid tumors of the spine should not undergo kyphoplasty, nor should patients with histories of degenerative disc or joint diseases, due to the possibility of cement leaking out of the vertebral space.
