Kyphoplasty Surgery in Franklin Lakes, NJ
Kyphoplasty is a surgical procedure to help restore the shape and body height of vertebrae and to relieve spinal compression that results from vertebral compression fractures. The vertebral increase from the procedure relieves the pressure that is being caused by the compression to help patients stand straight, reduce pain and increase mobility.
Patients who may benefit the most from kyphoplasty surgery include those suffering from:
- Compression fractures that are causing thinning bones from osteoporosis
- Severe disabling pain that lasts for two months or longer
- Cancer-damaged vertebrae
- Back injury involving the vertebrae
Often vertebral compression fractures are first treated with non-surgical treatment including rest, pain medication, physical therapy and in some cases, back braces. When non-surgical care fails to provide you relief, your healthcare practitioner may elect the kyphoplasty procedure to correct spinal compression.
What to Expect from Kyphoplasty Surgery
If you are a candidate for kyphoplasty surgery, your surgeon will perform a physical examination prior to surgery which will include a blood test, X-ray and possibly an MRI. These diagnostic procedures will help your healthcare provider to determine the exact location of the spinal fracture.
Your kyphoplasty procedure will be done with either local or general anesthesia. After anesthesia is administered, a hollow needle is inserted into your back as you lay face down on an operating table. Fluoroscopy is used to help guide the surgeon to the injured area of the back. A tiny balloon-like tool, which the surgeon inflates, is used to raise the fractured pieces to a position that's more normal. In addition, the balloon-like tool helps the soft inner bone to remain intact as a cavity is formed. The surgeon then removes the balloon and injects a cement-like substance. The substance hardens quickly and the bone is then stabilized.
The procedure takes about one hour for each vertebrae and is often an outpatient procedure. However, sometimes it is necessary to keep a patient overnight for observation. Either way, you should arrange for transportation home after the surgery. Most of the time, stitches are not required. It's estimated that about 75 percent of patients experience an improved quality of life after the surgery.
Kyphoplasty Recovery
Many patients are able to walk a few hours after the surgery. However, your healthcare provider may recommend some bed rest and restrict heavy lifting for up to six weeks. Many patients also report reduced pain and increased mobility once they have recovered from the procedure. They are often able to cut back significantly on pain medication.
Your healthcare provider may recommend the following traditional or alternative options to help with your recovery time:
- Vitamin C and Echinacea to help reduce the risk of infection
- Flaxseed Oil, vitamin E, aspirin or ibuprofen to help reduce swelling
- Warm or cold compresses
The sooner kyphoplasty surgery is performed, the better the results. The most ideal timeframe is within eight weeks of the fracture. Request more information about Kyphoplasty today. Call (201) 806-6099 or contact Dr. M.T. Shahab online.
Medwell Orthopedics & Functional Medicine for Men & Women
Address
33 Central AveMidland Park, NJ 07432
(201) 806-6099
www.BergenCountyDoctors.com
Hours
Mon:
8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tue:
2:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Wed:
8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Thu:
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Fri:
8:00 am - 6:30 pm
Sat:
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sun:
By Appointment Only