Kyphoplasty?

[LakeOneSkier]

Last May I tweaked my lower back pretty good, never felt pain like this before. Rested it, iced it, heated it, stretched it, did a few months of therapy, no improvements. Other than few gingerly ski runs in Sept I was off the water the entire summer last year.

 

Finally went to my GP and then a specialist in October who ordered an MRI which showed a compression fracture of the L4 vertebrae. It was not a normal outward type fracture but rather a fracture on the top of the vertebrae which allowed the disc above to seep down into the vertebrae. Technically I believe its called a Schmorl’s Node. He recommended continued rest, minor stretching to keep it loose, over-the-counter pain meds if needed, etc. and we would review it again in a few months.

 

Had another MRI last week and met with the specialist yesterday. Basically, there is no change, no improvement, and he has now suggested 3 options:

 

Continued rest, can use a back brace if I would like to, and basically wait it out and see if there is any improvement a year from now. Based on the type of fracture and no sign of improvement after 9 months he has very little confidence that this will be a long term solution.

 

Kyphoplasty – minimally invasive procedure where they insert a balloon into the vertebrae, blow it up to expand the vertebrae to its normal size/height, and then fill it with a bone cement. He has done this procedure many times with a very high success rate. But, he’s never done one on my top down/inward type fracture. He believes it will be successful but certainly not as confident as he would be with a normal compression fracture.

 

Spinal Fusion - If Kyphoplasty does not correct the vertebrae then consider spinal fusion. Nope, I’m not ready to consider this just yet.

 

If there’s anywhere to ask about back issues, this is surely the place. ? Has anyone here had, or know anyone, who has had a Kyphoplasty procedure done? If you have what was your experience: good? bad? risks? recovery?

 

[unksskis]

Do you mind stating how old you are? What type of specialist are you speaking with? Feel free to PM if you prefer.

[dave2ball]

I would get a couple of 2nd and maybe a third opinion. I would look at surgery as a last resort.

[LakeOneSkier]

@unksskis , I just turned 59, Dr is a Ortho surgeon solely focused on cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.

 

@dave2ball , Ball of Spray doesn't count as a second opinion? ;) I'm researching the heck out of this now what I know what it is, and yes, looking for a formal second opinion. Definitely not rushing into this; learned that painful lesson on a foot issue a few years ago.

[Stevie Boy]

@LakeOneSkier I personally do not know anybody who has had this particular procedure, what I would like to say is, with any surgery of this nature you Roll the Dice, for some people is was the best thing they ever done, for others a different story, maybe it could put you back in the game or living pain free, you have to gather all the info you can and assess the risks, ultimately it's going to be your decision, a decision you have to be happy with, regardless of outcome.

I do hope the decision you make works out for you, in the best possible way.

[MitchellM]

I'm just an ENT doctor, but from what I know about kyphoplasty, it has been a godsend for patients with painful isolated vertebral compression fractures. Patients have done very well and rebounded quickly with good resolution of their pain. With no improvement after several months of conservative treatment, I would certainly consider this option.

[MZito]

@LakeOneSkier i'm very familiar with the Kypho procedure. Message me, i'm NOT a physician but in this industry.

[matthewbrown]

@LakeOneSkier I had the Vertebraplasty done, which is essentially the same procedure as the Kyphoplasty sans the balloon. My T12 was about 90% compromised with cancer and had fractured. It was a night and day difference almost immediately. However, I have not skied since then to test it out but I’ve had zero problems under normal circumstances. My procedure was done at Stanford so the quality of care was never in question.

[unksskis]

Vertebroplasty is similar, and a better option in my opinion.