Kyphoplasty is an invasive treatment technique used to alleviate persistent pain caused by a spinal compression fracture. With this type of fracture, a weakened vertebra collapses. During a kyphoplasty procedure, the doctor restores the vertebra to its normal height and shape by injecting bone cement into a cavity created with a small, inflatable balloon. Most patients undergoing kyphoplasty have a good outcome. Side effects of a kyphoplasty procedure, however, can occur in some patients.
Spinal Cord or Nerve Compression
In a small number of patients undergoing a kyphoplasty procedure, vertebral bone fragments shift into positions that compress the spinal cord or nerves exiting the spinal cord, notes the American Association of Neurological Surgeons. The symptoms associated with spinal cord or nerve root compression vary according to the location of the fracture and the severity of the impingement. Possible signs and symptoms include sharp pain radiating from the back, loss of sensation or tingling, weakness or paralysis in the extremities and loss of bowel or bladder control. Spinal cord compression constitutes a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent permanent loss of function, warns "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals."
Rib Fractures
A patient undergoing a kyphoplasty is put to sleep and positioned on his side for the procedure. Rib fractures may occur in some patients due to this positioning, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. People who sustain an osteoporosis-related vertebral compression fracture may also have fragile ribs, potentially increasing the likelihood of a rib fracture associated with the kyphoplasty procedure. A rib fracture typically causes severe pain and possible bruising over the fracture site. The pain increases with coughing and deep breathing. Pneumonia can develop in people with rib fractures. A respiratory therapist teaches breathing techniques to patients with rib fractures to help reduce the risk for pneumonia.
Infection
Infection remains a risk with any invasive procedure, including kyphoplasty. A superficial infection can develop at the site where the doctor inserts the kyphoplasty instruments through the skin. This type of infection typically resolves quickly with antibiotic therapy. A deep infection of the bones or discs of the spine proves more serious. Possible symptoms include persistent back pain, fever, chills and tenderness over the infected site. Back pain associated with an infection of the spine characteristically worsens at night, notes orthopedic surgeon Alexander Vaccaro on the patient information website Spine-Health. Intensive antibiotic therapy is the primary form of treatment for vertebral or disc infections. Some patients may require surgery to help clear the infection, reports the medical information website eOrthopod.
References
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons: Vertebral Compression Fractures
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Spinal Cord Compression, Symptoms and Signs
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Rib Fracture
- Spine-Health: Osteomyelitis Symptoms
