Kyphoplasty is a medical procedure to address vertebral compression fractures, which often result from osteoporosis or injury. This minimally invasive treatment stabilizes the fractured bone by injecting specialized bone cement, aiming to reduce pain and restore vertebral height. While kyphoplasty can offer significant relief and improve spinal alignment, like all medical interventions, it carries potential side effects and complications. Understanding these possibilities is an important part of preparing for the procedure and managing recovery.
Expected Side Effects
Patients undergoing kyphoplasty may experience several anticipated and generally manageable side effects in the days following the procedure. Localized pain or soreness at the injection site is common. This pain subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks, and applying ice can help manage it.
Mild systemic reactions like nausea or vomiting, linked to anesthesia, are usually temporary and resolve as it wears off. Temporary numbness or tingling in the limbs may also occur, due to anesthesia or temporary nerve irritation, and it is not indicative of paralysis. A low-grade fever is another transient side effect, indicating a normal bodily response. A brief increase in back pain immediately after kyphoplasty, due to inflammation or cement hardening, is usually short-lived, with many patients reporting significant pain relief within 48 hours.
Less Common Complications
While kyphoplasty is generally considered safe, with an overall complication risk estimated to be less than 4%, more serious complications can occur. One such complication is cement leakage, where the injected bone cement moves beyond the intended vertebral body. This can happen into surrounding soft tissues, blood vessels, or, more concerningly, into the spinal canal or near nerve roots. Although often asymptomatic, leakage into the spinal canal can potentially compress nerves or the spinal cord, leading to worsened pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness, and in extremely rare cases, paralysis. If the cement enters a vertebral vein, it can travel to the lungs, potentially causing a pulmonary embolism, which is a serious but rare event with reported incidences ranging from 0.17% to 0.4%.
Infection at the surgical site or a systemic infection is another potential complication, with reported rates around 0.46%. Symptoms of infection may include increased pain, swelling, skin color changes, and fever. Bleeding or hematoma formation can also occur, though typically it is minimal and manageable. Nerve root or spinal cord injury, while extremely rare, is a serious concern that could result from direct trauma during instrument placement or from cement leakage. There is a risk of additional vertebral fractures, at an adjacent level to the treated vertebra, which can occur in 3% to 29% of patients. Severe allergic reactions to anesthesia or contrast dye are also rare but possible.
Recognizing and Responding to Issues
Understanding the difference between expected discomfort and signs of a more serious problem is crucial for patients recovering from kyphoplasty. While mild soreness, temporary numbness, or slight nausea are normal, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. These include severe or worsening back pain, especially if it is not relieved by pain medication or if it spreads to other areas. Any new or increased numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs, or difficulty moving them, should be reported promptly.
Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, significant redness, swelling, or discharge at the injection site, also require immediate evaluation. Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or sudden shortness of breath are serious symptoms that could indicate a pulmonary embolism and necessitate emergency care. Patients should carefully follow all post-procedure instructions provided by their healthcare team. Maintain open communication with the healthcare provider and contact them without delay if any concerning symptoms arise, as prompt reporting and intervention are essential for effective management of potential complications.