Patients suffering from painful spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis are finding relief through a minimally invasive procedure offered at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC).
Osteoporosis, which means “porous bone,” is a condition where bones become weak and brittle, making them more prone to fractures. When these fractures occur in the spine, they can lead to severe and persistent back pain. The Interventional Radiology (IR) team at PMC provides an outpatient procedure called kyphoplasty to help stabilize the affected vertebra and reduce discomfort.
Kyphoplasty involves making a small incision and using a balloon to gently restore some of the lost height of the fractured vertebra. Medical-grade cement is then injected into the space to stabilize the bone. The procedure is performed with advanced imaging guidance and typically takes less than an hour per vertebra.
In many cases, patients experience significant pain relief shortly after the procedure. By treating the fracture directly, kyphoplasty can reduce or even eliminate the need for opioid pain medications, allowing patients to return to their normal activities more quickly.
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis, and most patients are able to go home after a short observation period in the recovery room, barring any complications.
By offering kyphoplasty, PMC’s interventional radiologists are helping improve the quality of life for patients affected by osteoporosis-related fractures— providing leading-edge care close to home.
To learn more about kyphoplasty at Pikeville Medical Center, visit https://www.pikevillehospital.org/interventional-radiology/.
