Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Should I have Kyphoplasty?

I'm 31 years old.  I was in a car accident about 6 weeks ago.  I fractured the T12 vertebrae, a compression fracture and have lost 20% of the vertebrae height so far.  Today a doctor at a Spine Pain Center told me he could do Kyphoplasty to prevent more loss and reduce pain.  But I'm so scared of nerve damage and that fact that the cement could leak into the nerve canal or cause other issues.  Has anyone gone through this and have any thoughts or recommendations about whether I should get it done or not?  I probably have just another week or so to do this before fracture is completely healed.  On top of this I have other issues due to this accident, but I'll keep this short.  My ribs are also forward now, spine is straight instead of the curve I had in the thoracic region, as a woman, now my spine is forward and straight like a man.  Between my shoulders I can tell it's inward now, and my ribs are sticking out above my breasts and also poking into my orgsn/lungs.   If anyone could provide feedback soon I would really appreciate it.  Thank you!
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
7721494 tn?1431627964
Very good -- best wishes.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you so much!  This is very helpful.  I may schedule the Kyphoplasty for this Friday with that doctor, but will be getting a second opinion from a more experienced Neurosurgeon as well on Thursday.  So I will still have time to decide then on who to go with.  I really appreciate your response and information.  I will update you on how it goes on this page in a few days.  Happy New Year.
Helpful - 0
7721494 tn?1431627964
Kyphoplasty is the treatment for compression fractures. I don't normally recommend surgery, but this is one procedure that can really make a difference. Sometimes this procedure results in a dramatic reduction in pain. Since you don't have the osteoporosis that is usually present in compression fractures, you're a good candidate for kyphoplasty.

The risks are slight, and if your doc is experienced (over 700 procedures), your chances of a positive outcome are even better.

You can always get a second opinion if you're not comfortable with this doctor.

This may or may not restore normal curvature. You're still in an acute phase of injury and there's probably a lot of tissue damage remaining. But once the spine is in proper alignment, physical therapy can help in getting the muscles to relax which should then restore your normal thoracic curve (which will in turn restore normal cervical and lumbar curvature).
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Back & Neck Community

Top Pain Answerers
Avatar universal
st. louis, MO
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches