Kyphoplasty in Mobile, AL
What Is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a procedure used to repair damaged vertebrae and help them regain their former shape. Such damage is typically caused by a vertebral fracture, cancer treatment, or osteoporosis, all of which can lead to intense pain and limited mobility.
The interventional radiologists at Alabama Coastal Radiology, P.C. provide several different radiology services, including kyphoplasty, and are all board-certified by the American Board of Radiology. Learn more about the uses and what you should expect during your procedure when you call to schedule your appointment at any of our 8 locations in the Mobile area. We have offices in Mobile, Saraland, Fairhope, Daphne, and Bay Minette, AL.
Vertebroplasty vs Kyphoplasty
Similar to vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that injects a highly specialized cement mixture into the affected vertebrae in order to reinforce it and prevent any further trauma to the spinal cord that is often experienced without treatment.
The major factor that separates a vertebroplasty from a kyphoplasty is that during a vertebroplasty the mixture is injected directly into the bone, whereas a kyphoplasty first requires the use of a balloon to create space in the vertebrae before adding the cement. The inflated balloon helps to ensure that the mixture is able to reach all crevasses within the vertebrae while also restoring the vertebrae to its natural height.
What Happens During a Kyphoplasty?
All patients who undergo a kyphoplasty will be put under local or general anesthesia to dull the area and relieve any possible pain. Only two small incisions need to be made, which are where a probe will enter into the skin and allow the cement mixture to pass through to the vertebrae. Once in place, the balloon will be expanded and the cement injected.
Throughout this entire process, your doctor will be monitoring the location of the probe and strengthening substance using contrast and real-time X-ray or MRI technology. The whole procedure lasts approximately 1 hour or less, after which the patient is typically able to return home so long as there were no unforeseen complications.
Most patients report improved symptoms within 48 hours of completing a kyphoplasty.
More on Kyphoplasty from Alabama Coastal Radiology, P.C.
If you still have questions regarding kyphoplasty and whether or not the procedure may be right for you, we encourage you to talk with one of our talented interventional radiologists today by calling your preferred location directly. We perform safe and effective kyphoplasty procedures in Mobile, Daphne, Saraland, Bay Minette, and Fairhope.