KYPHOPLASTY SPECIALIST
As you age, you lose bone mass, putting you at a higher risk of fractures in the spine.
But fortunately, Dr. Baumgartner, MD of the Texas Interventional Pain Specialists uses minimally invasive treatment methods, such as kyphoplasty. As an alternative to major surgery, Dr. Baumgartner performs the procedure in his office, serving Houston and the surrounding Houston area. Kyphoplasty gives men, and especially women, relief from spinal fracture pain through a specialized injection. Experience back pain relief by contacting Dr. Baumgartner for an appointment using the online form or calling our office.
What is kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty entails Dr. Baumgartner using a needle to inject a balloon and medical-grade cement into the area where you have a spinal compression fracture. A compression fracture describes a broken vertebra in the back, typically caused by osteoporosis, trauma to the back, or cancer.
During kyphoplasty, Dr. Baumgartner positions you face down on a table. He first cleanses the area where you will receive treatment and then administers a local anesthetic and medication to help you relax. In some cases, you receive a general anesthetic, so you’re asleep during the procedure.
Using real-time imaging to guide him, Dr. Baumgartner places a needle into the affected spinal bone. Once it’s in position, he inserts a balloon through the needle and inflates it. The balloon restores the height of the vertebrae.
Next, Dr. Baumgartner injects cement into the space to prevent the vertebrae from collapsing again.
What is the recovery from kyphoplasty like?
Immediately following the kyphoplasty procedure, you remain in a recovery room for a short period. Within an hour of the procedure, Dr. Baumgartner or one of his staff members encourages you to walk. At this point, you may feel sore. If you’re responding well to the procedure and only had it performed on one vertebra, you can go home the same day as the procedure.
An ice pack can relieve soreness and pain following the treatment. Additionally, Dr. Baumgartner prescribes a pain medication to ease discomfort.
You may need to take a supplement or medication to strengthen your bones after kyphoplasty. You might also have to wear a brace if the fracture was from an injury.
Typically, you feel better within 48 hours of kyphoplasty. After the procedure, Dr. Baumgartner advises you when you can resume your daily activities, depending on your condition, response to the treatment, and health.
Are there any complications from kyphoplasty?
It’s possible to develop an infection or experience bleeding at the injection site. You could have tingling, numbness, or weakness as a result of nerve damage. You might have an allergic reaction to the materials used during kyphoplasty.
Compression fractures cause a significant amount of pain that can limit your daily activities, but Dr. Baumgartner of the Texas Interventional Pain Specialists offers kyphoplasty, a procedure with almost always permanent results. Use the online contact form, or call our office to schedule an appointment today.
TEXAS INTERVENTIONAL PAIN SPECIALISTS
Pain Medicine Physician & Anesthesiologist
located in Houston, Texas