Kyphoplasty Specialist

Keith Schmidt, MD

Pain Management & Chronic Pain Specialist located in Hoffman Estates, IL & Carol Stream, IL

Vertebral compression fractures cause severe pain and may lead to spinal deformity. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical treatment for painful vertebral compression fractures that may alleviate the discomfort and prevent further changes to your spine. Triple board-certified pain management expert Keith Schmidt, MD, at Ascension Comprehensive Pain Management Program in Hoffman Estates and Carol Stream, Illinois, performs kyphoplasty. To learn more about the minimally invasive procedure and how it may alleviate your back pain, contact the office nearest you by phone or schedule an appointment online today.

Kyphoplasty Q & A

What is kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that treats vertebral compression fractures, which are wedge-shaped fractures that lead to kyphosis (humped spine) when left untreated.

During kyphoplasty, Dr. Schmidt injects a special cement into your spine that restores normal vertebral height and alleviates pain.

Am I a good candidate for kyphoplasty?

When you see Dr. Schmidt at Ascension Comprehensive Pain Management Program for a vertebral compression fracture consultation, he conducts a thorough evaluation to determine the best treatment for you.

He may consider you a candidate for the minimally invasive procedure if you have a painful vertebral compression fracture that interferes with your daily activities. He performs the procedure for people who developed the vertebral compression fracture from osteoporosis or metastatic cancer.

You may not be a good candidate for the procedure if you have a bone infection or a fracture fragment in your spinal canal.

What can I expect during kyphoplasty?

Dr. Schmidt develops individualized treatment plans specific to your needs and at your consultation, reviews what you can expect during your kyphoplasty.

In general, he performs the kyphoplasty using intravenous anesthesia to help you feel relaxed during the procedure.

Once properly sedated, Dr. Schmidt places a needle into your spine in the area of your fracture using X-ray guidance. He then inserts a balloon into your vertebrae, inflates it to restore vertebral height, and injects a special cement to maintain the height.

After your kyphoplasty, Dr. Schmidt sends you to the recovery area for observation and then discharges you home. In some cases, he may recommend an overnight stay at the hospital.

What happens after kyphoplasty?

You may experience some post-surgical soreness following your kyphoplasty, but the side effects should disappear within a few days. Though results vary, many patients experience a significant improvement in pain soon after the minimally invasive procedure.

Dr. Schmidt schedules regular follow-up appointments following your kyphoplasty to monitor your progress and provide additional treatments or therapies as needed.

To get relief from your painful vertebral compression fracture, call Ascension Comprehensive Pain Management Program, or schedule your kyphoplasty consultation online today.

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