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Balloon kyphoplasty is a fairly new procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). The surgeon uses a long, thin needle to insert a deflated balloon into the broken vertebral bone. The balloon is then inflated, which helps lift up the fractured, collapsed bone. A cavity or space is created inside the bone.
The balloon is deflated and removed. A liquid cement is then injected into the bone through the same long, thin needle. The cement fills in the space and hardens. The height and support of the vertebral bone are restored.
Studies show that there is an increased risk of heart attack, blood clot, change in blood pressure, and pneumonia after a balloon kyphoplasty. The reason for this is likely because these patients are already much older and have many health concerns.
Your risk of a heart attack after kyphoplasty is fairly low if you are in good health. Should you ever need this procedure again, the surgeon will evaluate whether or not you are a good candidate. Hopefully, anyone with serious health concerns will be excluded from a treatment intervention that could have such serious complications.
Sometimes even with careful screening, problems still occur. Predicting complications isn't always possible. Patients are always warned of the possible problems and told what to expect in worse case scenarios. It's up to the patient to decide if the possible benefits outweigh the potential problems.
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