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HomeSummaryReview of the conditionConsidering surgeryPreparing for surgeryAbout the procedureTechnical details Anesthetic Length of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty Recovering from surgeryRehabilitationConclusion

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Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty: Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Treatment for Osteoporotic Compression Fractures

Last updated Tuesday, December 02, 2008

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About the procedure

What are the technical details of kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for osteoporotic compression fractures in the spine? What is actually done?

After the anesthesia is administered and the patient is given prophylactic antibiotic, a horizontal incision (3 cm to 4 cm) is made on the front of the neck. This incision is made in line with the way the skin runs, so it can heal along skin lines with minimal scarring.

Dissection through superficial muscle layers, around the midline esophagus and airway structures, and onto the cervical spine is then performed. Retractors are placed. An intra-operative X-ray is performed to confirm the appropriate level of surgery.

The intervertebral disc is then completely removed. Foraminotomies are can also be performed. A foraminotomy is the direct decompression of the space through which the nerve root travels. Disc material or bone spurs can impinge in this area, and place pressure on the nerve root.

After discectomy (removal of the disc) and foraminotomy (decompression of the nerve root), partial or complete removal of the vertebral body can be done. The decision to remove the vertebra (corpectomy) is dependent upon the nature of the condition. This may or may not be necessary.

After adequate decompression of the spinal cord and or nerve roots, a bone graft is then impacted into place where the disc was removed, between the two vertebrae.

A small titanium plate is then placed on top of the bone graft and into the bone above and below Screws are placed into the bone above and below to hold the plate in place. This plate gives additional stability to the structure.

The surgical wound is then washed out, and the layers are closed with suture. The skin is closed with an absorbable suture, and there is no need for suture or staple removal. A drain is placed for 24 hours and is removed the next day.

The patient is placed in a soft neck collar postoperatively, typically for a few weeks.

What is the typical anesthetic used for kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for osteoporotic compression fractures in the spine?

General anesthesia or local anestheisa have been used to perform these procedures.

How long does kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty for osteoporotic compression fractures in the spine usually take?

Osteoporotic compression fractures can occur at one particular location in the spine, or at multiple levels. The length of the procedure depends on the number of levels. In general, the procedure takes less than 30 minutes per level.

Surgery for Osteoporotic Compression Fractures in the Spine at the University of Washington, Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Seattle, Washington

If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure in Seattle, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 to make an appointment. Our clinical center is located in Seattle Washington, USA

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