Kyphoplasty / Vertebroplasty

What is it?

This minimally-invasive procedure treats spine fractures caused by osteoporosis. It is designed to relieve back pain related to a fracture and help straighten the spine.

What happens on the day?

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The operation is performed under general anaesthetic and we therefore ask patients to refrain from eating or drinking anything for 6 hours prior to the injection.  Water however is allowed up to 2 hours before admission.  

Upon admission, the patient will be seen by the ward nurse, the anaesthetist and Mr. Lau himself.  Informed consent will be obtained and a mark placed on the back to confirm the correct site of the operation. The patient will be given a general anaesthetic and carefully positioned on their front for the operation which will be guided by a specialised X-ray machine.

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1cm incisions are made directly over the collapsed vertebrae. Small instruments are passed into the fractured vertebral body to create a working channel. Kyphoplasty involves inflating a balloon to recreate the vertebral height, deflating it then injecting cement to fill the void created.  Vertebroplasty is similar but without the balloon inflation.

Patients will  wake up in the recovery area and can mobilise immediately following surgery.  Discharge is either on the same day or the day following with advice regarding activities.
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Follow up

Typically, a routine follow-up appointment is made for 6 weeks. Most patients will experience immediate pain relief following the procedure.
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