Our Specialties Include
- Spinal and Orthopaedic Surgery
- Brain / Neurosurgery
- Intracranial Disease Alternatives
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
- Pain Management Services
- Joint Replacement
- Gender Knee Replacements
- Artificial Disc Replacement
- Kyphoplasty
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Programs
- Sports Medicine Specialists
Spine Surgery on the North Shore: Balloon Kyphoplasty
Treatment for Verbal Compression Fractures Due to Osteoporosis or Cancer
In cases of multiple VCFs, the spine shortens and angles forward, resulting in kyphosis, or a “hunchbacked” posture. Over time, this condition may compress the lungs and abdomen, causing medical complications seemingly unrelated to the spine, such as:
- Reduced activity and alteration in mobility
- Decreased appetite and sleep disorders
- Impaired pulmonary function (breathing problems)
- Decreased quality of life; feelings of isolation and sadness
- A 23% increase in mortality rate in women over 65 with history of prior VCF
It is important that VCFs are diagnosed and treated by a physician. A physical exam, along with an x-ray, can help determine if a compression fracture has occurred.
How Balloon Kyphoplasty Works
With a hollow instrument, a narrow pathway is made into the fractured bone. A small orthopaedic balloon is guided through the instrument into the vertabra. The incision site is approximately 1 cm in length.
Next, the balloon is carefully inflated in an attempt to raise the collapsed vertabra and return it to its normal position.
Once the vertebra is in the correct position, the balloon is deflated and removed. This process creates a void (space) within the vertebral body. The void functions as a “container” for the bone cement.
Step Back into Life
Balloon Kyphoplasty can make it easier for patients to return to everyday activities life walking, bending, or lifting, with significantly less pain than they had prior to the procedure. Studies report favorable patient outcomes, including:
- Correction of vertebral body deformity
- Significant reduction in pain
- Improved ability to perform activities of daily living
- Improved quality of life
- Low complication rate
Lacombe & Bogalusa Offices
The NORTH Institute has offices in both Lacombe and Bogalusa, and proudly services the entire North Shore, including Covington, Mandeville, & Slidell.
Last Modified: December 28, 2010