Kyphoplasty Cost and Kyphoplasty Procedures Information

Kyphoplasty Cost and Procedure Introduction

Kyphoplasty is a relatively simple procedure to relieve pain caused by spinal compression fractures (sometimes caused by osteoporosis) and to correct bone deformity. Kyphoplasties are performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility by a spine specialist. This is typically an outpatient procedure, but you may have to stay in the hospital if you have certain health issues or if there are complications during the procedure. This procedure is conducted using general anesthesia. Kyphoplasty uses balloons and bone cement to create an internal cast. The acrylic bone cement hardens quickly, so the spine is stabilized almost immediately. You can return to normal activities quickly following the procedure.

Patient Preparation for Kyphoplasty

A physical examination will be performed along with x-rays or MRIs. It is particularly important to inform the physician of all medications or vitamins taken regularly or if you are pregnant (or think you might be pregnant) or if you have heart, lung or other medical conditions that may need special attention, and, finally, if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You will be given instructions in advance that will outline what you should and should not do in preparation for the surgery; be sure to read and follow those instructions. You will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. You will need to make arrangements for transportation after the surgery is complete. If you are given a prescription for pain medication, have it filled prior to surgery.

What to Expect During and After Kyphoplasty

The procedure itself takes about an hour (or one hour for each fracture), but the preparation and recovery time may add several hours. Most patients go home the same day as the surgery if there are no major problems. An intravenous line is inserted into the arm to administer a sedative and a painkiller. Also, your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. In most cases, the procedure is done while you are under general anesthesia (unconscious and pain-free). The surgeon makes a one-inch incision over the fractured area, and using an x-ray for guidance, inserts a thin tube with a balloon at the tip into the vertebra. The balloon is then inflated to make room for the bone cement. When the balloon is removed, the acrylic cement is injected into the open area. The cement will harden in under ten minutes and the surgeon will close the incision using stitches or steri-strips.

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery room for observation. Once your blood pressure, pulse, and breathing are stable and you are alert, you will most often be discharged to your home. Before being discharged, you will be given instructions about care for your incision, limits on activities and what you should do to aid your recovery. If you notice any of the following, call the number the hospital gave you: Fever, excessive sweating, difficulty urinating, redness, bleeding or worsening pain.