Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Kyphoplasty (Vertebral Compression Fracture Repair)
1746874930
If you're experiencing a spinal compression fracture, Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that can help restore stability and alleviate pain. Here’s how to prepare and what to expect during recovery. Optimizing your body for surgery is important. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet and considering nutritional supplements can help prepare your body for healing. You should not eat for 8 hours before your procedure, but clear liquids, such as water, black coffee, or tea without milk, are usually allowed up to 2 hours before surgery. If you take blood thinners, follow your doctor’s instructions on when to stop them. Thoroughly cleanse the surgical site using a pre-surgical wash like Hibiclens® the night before and the morning of surgery to reduce infection risk. Plan for someone to drive you home, as you may be drowsy from anesthesia. After surgery, avoid heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for at least 2 weeks to allow for proper healing. Mild soreness at the incision site is normal—use ice packs and take prescribed pain medications as directed. Keep the incision site clean and dry—avoid submerging the area in water for at least 72 hours. Supporting your recovery with a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet, staying hydrated, and getting quality sleep will help optimize healing. Pain relief is often quick, sometimes occurring within hours to days of the procedure. A follow-up appointment should be scheduled within a few weeks to assess your healing progress. Kyphoplasty can significantly improve mobility and reduce pain. Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth and successful recovery. If you have any concerns, reach out to the medical team.
FAQs
Are there any activities I should avoid or lifestyle changes I should consider post-surgery?
Post-surgery, it's important to avoid activities that involve heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for at least 2 weeks. Supporting your body with a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet and ensuring adequate hydration and rest are crucial for optimal recovery. If you have concerns at any point in your recovery, contact your healthcare team for advice.
How should I prepare for a Kyphoplasty procedure?
Before undergoing Kyphoplasty, it's important to optimize your body for surgery. This includes following an anti-inflammatory diet, possibly taking nutritional supplements, not eating for 8 hours before the procedure, and keeping hydrated with clear liquids up to 2 hours prior. Additionally, if you're on blood thinners, follow your doctor’s guidance on when to stop them, and use a pre-surgical wash to cleanse the surgical site to minimize the risk of infection.
How soon can pain relief be expected post-Kyphoplasty?
Pain relief following Kyphoplasty is often quite rapid, with many patients experiencing significant reduction in pain within hours to days after the procedure. It's essential to follow post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing and progress.
What is Kyphoplasty and how does it help with vertebral compression fractures?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat spinal compression fractures. It works by stabilizing the fractured vertebra, reducing pain, and often restoring some of the lost vertebral height, thereby improving mobility and quality of life.
What should I expect in terms of recovery after Kyphoplasty?
After the procedure, it is advised to avoid heavy lifting, bending, or twisting for at least 2 weeks to support proper healing. Expect some mild soreness at the incision site, which can be managed with ice packs and prescribed pain medications. Keep the incision area clean and dry, avoiding submergence in water for 72 hours, and prioritize a nutrient-rich diet, hydration, and restful sleep to aid recovery.