Back pain is one of the most common complaints we see here in Cenla at Mid State Spine & Rehab. For some patients, the cause is more serious than muscle strain or arthritis.
When a vertebral compression fracture is the source of pain, often due to osteoporosis or trauma, conservative treatments like medica on or bracing may not provide adequate pain relief. That’s where kyphoplasty comes in.
“I see patients every week who are in debilitating pain from compression fractures,” says Dr. L. Justin Doughty, a Mid State physician who fellowship-trained in pain management at LSU School of Medicine. “Many have tried medications and back braces with little relief. Kyphoplasty offers them a minimally invasive way to get their lives back.”
What Is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat vertebral compression fractures, small breaks in the bones of the spine that can cause significant pain, loss of height, and a hunched posture. These fractures often occur in older adults with weakened bones or in individuals who have sustained spinal trauma.
The goal of kyphoplasty is to stabilize the fractured vertebra.
How Does Kyphoplasty Work?
The procedure typically takes less than an hour and is done on an outpatient basis.
- A small incision is made.
- Using image guidance, a narrow tube is inserted into the collapsed vertebra.
- A balloon is inflated inside the bone to create space and gently restore height.
- The balloon is removed, and the cavity is filled with medical-grade bone cement to stabilize the fracture.
Patients are under intravenous (IV) sedation, and most report:
- Immediate or rapid pain relief
- Improved mobility
- The ability to resume daily activities much sooner than with conservative treatment alone.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Kyphoplasty may be recommended for patients who:
- Have painful spinal compression fractures
- Have not improved with medications, bracing, or other conservative treatments
- Experience limited mobility or a decrease in quality of life
Before recommending the procedure, we’ll perform a full evaluation, which may include imaging studies, like X-rays or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis and determine if kyphoplasty is appropriate.
What to Expect After the Procedure
One of the major advantages of kyphoplasty is the quick recovery time. Most patients are up and walking within hours and return home the same day. Normal activities can typically resume in a few days, although strenuous lifting should be avoided temporarily.
We follow up closely to monitor your recovery and may recommend physical therapy or bone health evaluations to prevent future fractures.
Find Relief from Vertebral Compression Fractures
If you’re experiencing severe back pain in Alexandria or anywhere in Central Louisiana, particularly after a fall or with known osteoporosis, you don’t have to live with the discomfort. Kyphoplasty is a safe and effective op on that can help restore your comfort, mobility, and confidence.
Call us at 318-473-9556 to schedule a consulta on or request an appointment online.
“You don’t have to live in pain,” encourages Dr. Doughty. “There are options, and we’re here to help you find the one that gets you back to doing what you love.”
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