Balloon Kyphoplasty Surgery in Noida, Delhi, India

Overview

Balloon Kyphoplasty is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure specifically developed to address compression fractures in the spine. During this procedure, a special bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebrae. As the cement hardens, it stabilizes the fracture, alleviates pain, and restores mobility, enabling patients to resume their daily activities. This surgery is particularly beneficial for individuals who have not experienced relief from traditional treatments such as bed rest, physical therapy, medications, or braces.

Balloon Kyphoplasty Surgery Procedure

Pre-Procedure Preparation

Before undergoing Balloon Kyphoplasty, the doctor will perform the following steps:

• Medical History & Physical Examination: The physician reviews the patient’s medical history and conducts a physical exam to identify the exact location and nature of the pain.
• Imaging Tests: Tests like CT scans or MRIs may be recommended to visualize the spinal fractures.
• Medication Review: Patients must inform the doctor of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, and any history of bleeding disorders or anticoagulant usage (e.g., Aspirin).
• Dress Code: It is advisable to wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure. Jewelry should not be worn.
• Fasting Instructions: Patients should avoid eating for at least 3 to 4 hours before the procedure.

During the Procedure

• Patient Positioning: The patient lies in a prone position (face down) on the operating table. The treatment area is cleaned & sterilized.
• Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient’s comfort during the procedure.
• Needle Insertion: A needle is carefully inserted through the skin into the affected vertebra, guided by real-time X-ray imaging to avoid radiation exposure to the surrounding tissues.
• Balloon Inflation: A balloon is inflated within the vertebra to restore its height and alignment.
• Bone Cement Injection: Once the balloon is removed, bone cement is slowly injected into the vertebra. A second injection may be used to fill the vertebra completely based on the initial injection’s distribution.

Post-Procedure Care

• Recovery Position: After the procedure, the patient lies on their back for a short period until the cement hardens.
• Observation Period: Patients typically remain in an observation room for 1 to 2 hours for monitoring.
• Pain Relief: While some patients may feel immediate relief, it can take up to 3 to 4 days for the full benefits to manifest. Over-the-counter analgesics may be provided for temporary relief.
• Monitoring: Doctors will monitor the patient’s condition, assessing pain levels and checking for potential complications.
• Follow-Up: Patients may be advised to wear a back brace, although it is often unnecessary. A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled within a few weeks.

Risks of Balloon Kyphoplasty

While Balloon Kyphoplasty is generally safe, minor complications may occur in 1% to 3% of cases. Potential risks include:

• Hemorrhage
• Blood loss
• Fractures of surrounding bones
• Fever
• Nerve root irritation
• Infection
• Leakage of cement outside the bone before hardening

Techniques to Minimize Complications

To enhance the safety and efficacy of the procedure, several techniques are employed:

• Utilizing a transpedicular approach in the lumbar spine and costovertebral junction in the thoracic spine.
• Avoiding cortical breaches whenever feasible.
• Optimizing cement opacification according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Defining optimal cement viscosity before injection; if leakage occurs, the procedure may be halted.

Outlook of Balloon Kyphoplasty

Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility within 48 hours following the procedure. In some cases, pain relief may be immediate. Overall, patients report high satisfaction rates, with many returning to their regular activities shortly after the surgery.

Reviewed & Updated On

This information has been reviewed by Dr. Vishal Agrawal, Director & Head of Spine, Orthopedics & Joint, on January 9, 2024.