Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of spinal vertebral compression fractures most commonly related to osteoporosis. The procedure benefits include relief of pain, correction of vertebral body fracture and for many getting back to a more normal life routine.

    Kyphoplasty and Osteoporosis

    Osteoporosis is a common condition that affects millions of Americans.  It is four times more likely in women than in men.   It results in weakening of bones.  Fractures of the spine and extremities can occur easier and create terrible pain.  Treatment includes prevention of fractures, bracing and sometimes a kyphoplasty procedure for painful spinal fractures.

    Your risk of developing osteoporosis is linked to ethnicity, genetics, nutrition or previous chemotherapy or radiation and certain medications.   

    Diagnosis is based on Bone density testing with DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scans.  Those at risk and all women over the age of 65, and all men over 70 should undergo annual Bone Density testing.  

    Treatment of Osteoporosis is with nutrition and medications.  Basic types of medications include bisphosphonates which help reduce bone loss, hormonal agents, biologics and Anabolic agents that build bone such as Forteo.  

    Prevention should focus on lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, nutrition and medical management as indicated.  

      How Kyphoplasty Is Performed

      Kyphoplasty is performed under sedation or general anesthesia in an office or hospital setting. Tiny incisions allow the entry of a working needle. Under live X-ray guidance the procedure is performed using a small dilator, balloon and finally slowly injecting the bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA). The cement sets to quickly restore stability and stabilizes the vertebral body. Vertebral body height is often improved or restored. Pain is often immediately relieved. The procedure takes about an 30 minutes for each level treated.

        Potential Benefits of Kyphoplasty

        Listed below are some of the benefits kyphoplasty offers.

        • Minimally invasive procedure with a fast recovery.
        • Outpatient procedure
        • Many patients experience immediate pain relief.
        • Speedy return to normal daily activities.
        • No bracing is required, bracing for comfort or healing other issues
        • With stabilizing the fractured vertebra, the onset or worsening of severe spinal deformity may be prevented.

        Possible Risks of Kyphoplasty

        All surgical procedures, including kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, involve risks. Some risks and complications are not related to the procedure, but to your general health. Our team of pain management doctors or your neurosurgeon will discuss all the procedure details, including potential risks that are related to your specific case.

          Post-Operative Care for Kyphoplasty

          • You most commonly will go home as soon as one or two hours after your procedure from the office.
          • You must have a friend or family member to drive you home. You will receive sedation for the procedure.
          • You can shower right away
          • Resume driving when not in severe pain or under the influence of pain medication.
          • Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds for 2 weeks.
          • Use a cane, walker or other safety precautions to avoid a fall.

          Dr. Clinton Baird, MD

          Clinton Baird, MD

          Neurosurgeon

          Dr. Baird earned a medical degree from Saint Louis University, where he also completed a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry and a graduate study in biology. At Johns Hopkins University he completed his Neurological Surgery residency training.

          Throughout his professional training Clinton has positioned himself within the technological and policy landscape of medicine, from the ideation of concept to clinical bedside implementation. He was previously involved in start up out of Hopkins that was taken from ideation to clinical laboratory testing and FDA. During his time at Hopkins he served on the neurological devices panel of the FDA as a clinical consultant. This experience positioned him with an inside view to medical device innovation and policy.

          He continued his business pursuits by taking MBA classes through Kellogg School of Business while a resident at Hopkins. He developed a research mindset in the Hunterian Neuro-oncology laboratory with an American Brain Tumor Association funded grant.

          Presently, Clinton pursues his humanitarian goals with feet on the ground mission trips through Cura for the World, One Heart Bulgaria and in Bulgaria and Africa. Professionally, while maintaining a Olympia Pain and Spine, Clinton is pursuing the implementation of decentralized Telehealth and Remote Patient Monitoring platforms rich in machine learning and patient navigation and engagement tools. It is his and his team’s hope to reach the unreachable in Oklahoma and throughout the world.