In brief
- Most patients experience a significant decrease in fracture pain within 24 to 48 hours.
- Hold NSAIDs and aspirin for 24 hours; blood thinners have longer holds. Fast for six hours and bring a driver.
- Light indoor activity within 24 hours; walking is encouraged. Keep lifting under 15 pounds for 7 days.
- Wound check at 2 weeks; functional assessment at 3 months.
Understanding your diagnosis
A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) occurs when a bone in your spine collapses, often due to osteoporosis or minor trauma. This can lead to sudden, severe back pain, a hunched posture, and decreased mobility. Kyphoplasty is a specialized treatment designed to stabilize the fracture, restore lost bone height, and provide rapid pain relief.
The treatment
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small balloon is used to create a cavity within the collapsed vertebra. Once the bone height is restored, the balloon is deflated and medical-grade bone cement is injected to cast the bone from the inside. This stabilization prevents further collapse and typically results in a significant reduction in pain almost immediately after the procedure.
Our approach
Dr. Pugh uses live X-ray (fluoroscopy) to visualize the vertebral body in real time, so the instruments are placed with sub-millimeter precision and the cement is contained exactly where it is needed.
Before your procedure
For your safety, certain medications must be held before your procedure to minimize the risk of bleeding, following American Society of Regional Anesthesia guidelines. This procedure requires the 24-hour NSAID hold.
| Medication type | Examples | Required hold |
|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, naproxen, meloxicam | 24 hours |
| Salicylates | Aspirin, all doses | 24 hours |
| Antiplatelets | Plavix (clopidogrel), Brilinta | 7 days |
| Antiplatelets | Effient (prasugrel) | 10 days |
| Anticoagulants | Eliquis, Xarelto, Savaysa, Pradaxa | 5 days |
| Vitamin K antagonist | Coumadin, warfarin | 5 days (INR below 1.5) |
Restarting
Most medications can be restarted 24 hours after the procedure. NSAIDs and aspirin may be resumed immediately.
Fasting, sedation, and your ride home
- If you are receiving sedation, nothing to eat or drink for six hours before your appointment. Essential morning medications may be taken with a small sip of water only.
- We offer light or deep sedation. The level is decided by the physician and anesthesia team based on the procedure and clinical need.
- Any patient receiving sedation must be accompanied by a responsible adult driver to take them home.
Where to go
Procedures are performed at one of three facilities: our clinic at 1925 Hospital Place, ACOM at 6449 Central Park Blvd, or Hendrick South at 6399 Directors Pkwy, Suite 100. Your appointment paperwork tells you which one. Please arrive early for registration and pre-procedure preparation.
Procedure day
- Performed under live X-ray for continuous safety and accuracy.
- Sedation is provided to ensure a comfortable experience.
- The procedure typically takes about 45 to 60 minutes per level.
- This is an outpatient procedure; most patients go home the same day.
Benefits
- Rapid pain relief: most patients experience a significant decrease in back pain within 24 to 48 hours.
- Restored mobility: designed to help you return to your daily activities and improve your posture.
- Prevents further collapse: stabilizes the bone to prevent the fracture from worsening over time.
Recovery
- Initial activity: you may return to light, indoor activity within 24 hours.
- Wound care: the small incision is closed with a simple adhesive bandage; keep the area clean and dry for 2 days.
- Follow-up: a visit will be scheduled in 14 days to monitor your healing and functional progress.
Afterward: what to expect
- The relief. Most patients experience a significant decrease in fracture pain within 24 to 48 hours.
- Muscle soreness. You may feel mild soreness or a bruised sensation at the injection site for 3 to 5 days.
- Management. Use ice packs (20 minutes on, 20 off) for localized soreness and resume baseline medications, including NSAIDs and aspirin, immediately.
Activity
Wound care
Your procedure in one paragraph
You have undergone a kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize a vertebral compression fracture. Using a specialized balloon and medical-grade bone cement, we have internalized a cast within your vertebra to restore bone height and provide immediate structural support. This procedure was performed to eliminate the painful motion of the fracture and prevent further collapse of the spinal segment.
Follow-up schedule
- 1
2 weeks
Wound check and post-operative review.
- 2
3 months
Formal functional assessment of how well the procedure worked.
Call us right away if you notice
- New or worsening leg weakness, numbness, or foot drop
- Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control
- Fever above 101.5°F, chills, or drainage at the site
- A severe headache that worsens when sitting or standing
This guide is the same information as the printed handout from Abilene Pain. It is general information and does not replace the instructions your care team gives you at your visit. Your care team: Nicolas Pugh, MD · Adrianne Anders, NP · Ted Chaka, PA.