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Key Points

• Kyphoplasty offers relief to those sufferring from osteoporosis or compression fractures.
• We carefully evaluate eligibility for kyphoplasty.
• Recuperation is short and pain relief is almost immediate.

How Balloons Change Lives

Every 45 seconds, osteoporosis causes a spine fracture. While most people associate osteoporosis with hip fractures, the most common fracture caused by osteoporosis actually occurs in the spine. Over 700,000 spine fractures-called vertebral body compression fractures ( VCFs)-occur each year in the U.S. These fractures can be very painful and can have serious long-term consequences.

Now, patients at Appalachian Orthopedic Center have access to a life-changing, FDA-approved device to improve spinal problems often seen in older people (including men)- the KyphX Balloon. It is a minimally invasive procedure that can decrease pain and improve posture and problems related to poor posture. Dr. Hely has already used the KyphX Balloon to improve the lives of hundreds of area residents with great results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Vertebral Compression Fracture? Fractures of the bones that make up the spinal column are referred to as vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Multiple VCFs can cause kyphosis, otherwise known as "Dowager's hump," a deformity in the upper part of the back at the spinal curve (between the shoulders). Mistakenly considered a ''normal'' part of aging, the stooped posture and potential chronic pain associated with spinal fractures contribute to an overall poor quality of life.

Are vertebral compression fractures difficult to diagnose? A person may have a spinal fracture and not have symptoms. On the other hand, a person with a spinal fracture may consider the discomfort simply "back pain," and not realize the importance of having the reason for the pain correctly diagnosed. A complete physical exam, together with an x-ray and MRI, can help your physician distinguish between pain caused by a VCF or something else.

How does a VCF occur? Fractures are most often caused by osteoporosis but can also be caused by cancer or an accident, causing the vertebrae to either partially or completely collapse. After an initial vertebral fracture, the risk for having another fracture is increased fivefold. Just one VCF affects the distribution of weight along the spinal column. Misalignment brought on by a fractured vertebra places more stress on adjacent vertebrae, resulting in a structure that is now weakened and more vulnerable to additional fracture.

What are the symptoms of a VCF? Most VCFs have a gradual onset, unrelated to a specific injury. Fractures occur as a result of normal activity; i.e., bending over to pick something up, reaching toward something or carrying a bag of groceries. In some cases, a patient will experience sudden and severe pain. The fact that symptoms of a spinal fracture can be easily confused with other back problems underscores the importance of obtaining a correct diagnosis and receiving treatment.

Can vertebral fractures adversely affect overall health? Over time, multiple VCFs can cause kyphosis, which, in turn, can become more pronounced, painful and debilitating. Forward curvature of the spine has a "compression effect" on your organs, making it difficult to breathe, walk, eat, or sleep properly. Lung capacity is reduced, mobility is limited, early satiety occurs, and sleep disorders are common. Women over age 65 with prevalent VCFs have a 23-34% increase in mortality, compared to similar aged women without VCFs.

What are the psychosocial effects of VCFs? Studies have shown that compression fracture patients experience depression, anxiety, and lowered self-esteem. The alteration in lifestyle that accompanies severe kyphosis affects a patient's sense of well-being and causes feelings of sadness.

How is the KyphX Balloon used? The KyphX Balloon is used in a procedure that can be performed under general or local anesthesia. The physician makes a small incision and creates a path into the vertebral body. The balloon is placed into the fractured bone and inflated to move the bone back into a more normal position, and create a cavity. After the physician achieves fracture reduction or an inflation endpoint, he or she deflates and withdraws the balloon, leaving a space within the vertebra, and then completes the procedure.

How long does the Balloon Kyphoplasty procedure take? On average, the procedure takes about one hour per fracture treated, and, in some cases, may require an overnight hospital stay. After the procedure, the physician will schedule a follow-up visit and explain limitations, if any, on physical activity.

Is Balloon Kyphoplasty covered by insurance? In most cases, Medicare provides coverage for kyphoplasty. Other insurance plans may also provide coverage. Consult with your physician and insurance company to determine coverage for your particular situation.

What are the potential benefits of Balloon Kyphoplasty? Kyphoplasty has been shown to achieve restoration of vertebral body height and correction of spinal deformity with a low complication rate. Patient outcomes include:

Significant reduction in back pain
Significant improvement in quality of life
Significant reduction in number of days per month that a patient remains in bed
Significant improvement in mobility
Improved ability to perform activities of daily living, such as walking, hobbies and work
Significant reduction in number of days per month when pain interfered with daily activities

What can patients expect after a Balloon Kyphoplasty procedure? Published studies cite a marked reduction in pain, sometimes within hours of the procedure. Balloon Kyphoplasty has been shown to improve mobility and enable patients to return to everyday activities such as walking, bending, and lifting, with significantly less pain than they had prior to the procedure. Patients report improved mental health, vitality, social function, and emotional well-being.

Which doctor is trained to perform this procedure? Orthopedic Surgeon Daniel Hely, M.D. of the Appalachian Orthopedic Center in Carlisle is trained in its use and has performed hundreds of these surgeries. He can be reached at (717) 249-6112.