Kyphoplasty
Pronunciation: KY-fo-plas-tee
A minimally invasive surgical procedure to treat vertebral compression fractures by inflating a balloon and injecting bone cement.
Full Definition
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures, particularly those caused by osteoporosis or metastatic disease. The procedure involves inserting a balloon-like device (bone tamp) into the collapsed vertebra, inflating it to create a cavity and partially restore vertebral height, then injecting polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement to stabilize the fracture. This technique aims to relieve pain, restore some vertebral height, and prevent further collapse. Kyphoplasty is typically performed under local anesthesia with conscious sedation and has a lower risk of cement extravasation compared to vertebroplasty due to the controlled cavity creation.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from vertebroplasty, which does not involve balloon inflation for cavity creation.
In Context
- "Kyphoplasty of L1 was performed for a painful osteoporotic compression fracture." — Procedure summary
- "The patient experienced significant pain relief following bilateral kyphoplasty at T12." — Post-operative assessment