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Kyphoplasty Side Effects

Kyphoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the spine. Although not as invasive as other spinal surgeries, it is used to treat pain associated with progressive compression fractures of the vertebrae through the insertion of a balloon to correct the problem. As with any type of surgical procedure, kyphoplasty is not without its risks, and some people can experience serious side effects.

  1. Pain

    • Although the procedure is performed to treat pain, kyphoplasty actually has the potential to cause persistent pain of the back.

    Altered Sensation

    • If damage occurs to the spinal cord during kyphoplasty, a patient may experience an altered sensation, which means that the feeling of an appendage connected to the injured nerve, or even the back itself, may be lessened or heightened in sensitivity.

    Infection

    • A patient may develop an infection to the area of the spine where the kyphoplasty was performed.

    Paralysis

    • On rare occasions, kyphoplasty has been known to cause paralysis. Much like an altered sensation, this is largely due to damage to the spinal cord. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, there is only a 1 in 10,000 chance that this occur.

    Further Surgeries

    • Patients who have kyphoplasty may require further surgical procedures to correct compression fractures.

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