Kyphoplasty

Overview of Kyphoplasty in India

An abnormal bending of the spine, especially of the upper spine, is called kyphosis.

Kyphosis in elderly individuals occurs because of weakened spinal bones that compress or crack. There are other forms of kyphosis that may occur in babies or adolescents. This happens as a result of deformities of the spine or compression of the spinal bones.

Kyphosis in its mild form is not really problematic. In its more serious form, it may cause pain and deformity. Treatments of kyphosis vary according to age and condition of the individual.

What Is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis is a condition that involves an abnormal curvature of the spine such that the spine is bent outwards. It leads to an excessive bending forward of the thoracic area of the spine, which is located from the top of the spine up to the ribcage.

The spine has natural curvatures. The curvature plays a role in ensuring proper posture. However, abnormal curvature of the spine could have a detrimental impact on your physical state and even make standing impossible.

Generally speaking, kyphosis does not have any negative impacts on one’s well-being. It rarely requires any intervention from medical personnel. However, in some cases, it can make you uncomfortable with your appearance. In some cases, kyphosis could lead to painful experiences and difficulty breathing.

Types of Kyphoplasty:

There are various kinds of kyphosis. Some of the common forms of this condition are:

Postural Kyphosis

This is the most common form of kyphosis. This is normally seen among teenagers. Postural problems like slumping cause stretching of the ligaments and muscles that hold your vertebrae (spine). The stretching causes your vertebrae to move from their normal positions, resulting in the curving of the spine. It affects more females than males.

Scheuermann’s kyphosis

This kind of kyphosis is where the vertebrae are formed differently from how they are supposed to be. Instead of being formed like rectangles, your vertebrae are formed like wedges. This causes your spine to appear curved because the wedges form a forward bend. It affects males more than females. Scheuermann’s kyphosis can cause you pain, especially when you move around. When you adjust your posture, the curve remains the same.

Congenital kyphosis

Congenital is used to describe a problem that exists right from birth. The condition known as congenital kyphosis develops when the spine fails to develop correctly in the womb. This problem can worsen with time. It can be surgically corrected early in life before it gets any worse. This problem can exist alongside other congenital problems such as those of the heart and kidneys.

Cervical kyphosis (military neck)

This type occurs when your cervical spine, or the part of your spine from the bottom of your skull to your upper back, curves toward your front instead of its natural curve toward your back.

Hyperkyphosis

A significant forward curve of the spine is called hyperkyphosis. The curve is more than fifty degrees in length. After 40, this kind is prevalent.

Procedure:

Although having a procedure like kyphoplasty can be intimidating, it can go much more smoothly if you are prepared. What to anticipate during the preparation stage is as follows. 

Medical Evaluation and History

All existing medical problems, allergy status, and list of currently taken drugs should be disclosed to the physician. A thorough physical examination and all required radiological studies (e.g., X-ray, CT, MRI) should be done to diagnose the condition and evaluate whether a patient is a good candidate for kyphoplasty. If a patient is taking blood thinners, then it is necessary to inform the physician about it since there is a need to stop their intake before surgery.

Pre-Procedure Instructions

Following the doctor’s advice in relation to fasting before the procedure is necessary. Fasting for a certain duration may be needed. The means of transport for going back home after the procedure needs to be organised, as the patient will be under the influence of anaesthesia. The clothes that should be worn should be loose. All the jewellery and metallic objects need to be removed before the procedure.

Medications

The physician shall guide you on the drugs to continue or cease taking before the procedure. In case you are on blood-thinning drugs like warfarin or aspirin, the physician shall guide you on stopping these drugs a few days before the procedure.

Imaging and Tests

All required imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs should have been done and made available to the surgeon. Other blood tests may be recommended to check one’s general well-being and their ability to clot.

Questions and Concerns

Anything that may require clarification regarding the procedure must be sought from the doctor. The risks, benefits, and probable outcome of kyphoplasty must be known. The plan for pain control must be reviewed with the doctor.

Arranging for Post-Procedure Care

It is important that the house be ready for the return and that there is an appropriate resting area for the person to use and that any items which he or she uses often be within easy reach.

Kyphosis Treatment in India

Treatment for kyphosis in India is designed to fulfil the requirements of various kinds of kyphosis conditions. Treatment will vary according to the patient’s age, MR pathology, and extent of the problem. Here are some of the common surgical methods for treating kyphosis in India:

Physical therapy and exercise

Regarding hunchback kyphosis, which is a milder form of this spinal disorder, physical therapy as well as muscle-building exercise is effective since it helps to correct posture, which leads to reduced curvature.

Bracing

Bracing may be a therapy option to decrease the progression of spine deformity in developing children and young adults with significant kyphosis.

Kyphosis correction surgery in India

Severe kyphosis may attain perfection, as seen in Scheuermann’s kyphosis, where the spine is stiffened and becomes difficult to treat using any form of medicine. Treatment of Scheuermann’s disease may involve surgery. As a result, the spine will have to be fused using spine instrumentation like rods and screws, or osteotomies of the spine will be done.

Cervical kyphosis treatment

Orthotic cervical bracing, traction, and various surgical techniques, such as ACDF and osteotomies, are examples of the modalities.

Scheuermann's disease treatment

In addition to bracing and surgery, anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy may be used to treat Scheuermann's illness in order to reduce pain and increase mobility.

Kyphosis treatment in adults

In adults who are suffering from kyphosis, the choices for their treatment include physical therapy, medication to treat the diseases causing it, such as osteoporosis, and in severe cases, surgery through spinal fusion and osteotomy can be performed on them.

Procedure of Kyphosis Surgery

Kyphoplasty is a relatively rapid procedure, and it usually takes around one hour to complete. It follows several major stages:

Positioning: The patient is laid in a prone position on a special surgery table to provide clear access to the spine.

Anaesthesia Application: Local anaesthesia is applied to numb the site where surgery should take place, and to ensure a painless procedure. Some patients might receive additional light sedation.

Intravertebral Access: Using fluoroscopy, the doctor makes sure that a hollow needle is guided into the fractured vertebrae.

Balloon Insertion: Then, using the needle, the doctor inserts a balloon, which he inflates to increase the height of the collapsed vertebra.

Bone Cement Injection: After creating space between vertebral bones, the doctor deflates the balloon and removes it. The cavity is filled with a special cement, which rapidly hardens.

Completion: After that, once the cement sets, the needle is removed from the vertebra, and a simple dressing is applied.