CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — More than 600,000 vertebral compression fractures – a collapse of one or more bones within the spine – are reported in the United States every year. Left untreated, this type of fracture may lead to debilitating pain and life-threatening health complications.

Time is of the essence when addressing a vertebral compression fracture. Desert Pain Specialists offers kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive treatment option that restabilizes the spinal column and provides rapid pain relief for the majority of patients.

“Kyphoplasty is one of my very favorite procedures to perform,” said Dr. Court Empey, the founder of Desert Pain. “Patients have severe pain that is alleviated by a single procedure in most cases.”

Vertebral compression fractures are more common in older adults, especially women, as a result of osteoporosis. They can also be caused by a sudden traumatic injury, such as a fall.

With a vertebral compression fracture, a portion of the spinal column collapses and causes a significant amount of inflammation and pain. Patients struggle to stand, walk and participate in everyday activities. Even simple movements like rolling over in bed may result in acute pain.

Kyphoplasty has been routinely performed by spine care clinics nationwide for the past few decades and is covered by insurance for most patients. Before the procedure was readily available, patients with a vertebral compression fracture were required to wear a brace and restrict their movement or remain on bed rest for two to four months while the fracture healed. That loss of mobility led to decreased muscle mass, reduced bone strength and a greater risk of comorbidities.

“It became very clear to medical providers and insurance companies that the cost savings, as well as patient satisfaction and pain reduction, were very significant when a kyphoplasty was performed,” Empey said.

Kyphoplasty is an outpatient surgery performed at Desert Pain’s St. George clinic. During the procedure, the physician inserts a tiny balloon into the middle of the broken vertebra using fluoroscopic guidance. The balloon is then gently inflated, restoring the height of the spinal column.  After the balloon is deflated and removed, the remaining space is filled with bone cement to stabilize the fracture.

“It’s almost like putting a cast on a broken arm,” Empey said. “Once the bone is stabilized, the pain reduction is significant.”

In fact, approximately 90% of patients who undergo kyphoplasty experience considerable, if not total, pain relief within a few days. Empey said it’s one of the most gratifying procedures he performs.

Kyphoplasty reduces the risk of spinal deformity by allowing the soft inner bone of the vertebral body to strengthen and heal. Desert Pain facilitates in-home assistance and physical therapy for most kyphoplasty patients following their surgery, Empey said. This continuing care helps them get back on their feet and regain their typical level of function faster.

Desert Pain stands at the forefront of treating acute and chronic pain in Southern Utah by offering patients shorter wait times and more one-on-one time with compassionate providers trained in the latest procedures.

As the area’s premier interventional pain management team, they practice evidence-based, forward-thinking medicine for all types of pain conditions including back pain, neck pain, sciatica, neuropathy, migraines and sports injuries.

Living with a pain condition is a daily battle against an invisible enemy. At Desert Pain, patients aren’t just treated – they’re seen, heard, understood and supported throughout their pain management journey. Call 435-216-7000 or visit the Desert Pain website to schedule your appointment today.

Written by ALEXA MORGAN for St. George News.

• S P O N S O R E D   C O N T E N T • 

Resources

• Desert Pain Specialists | Telephone: 435-216-7000 | Email: [email protected] | Website.
• Locations:
  • St. George: 617 E. Riverside Drive, Suite 301.
  • Hurricane: 48 S. 2500 West, Suite 110.
  • Cedar City: 1760 N. Main St.
  • Beaver: 68 N. Main St.
  • Panguitch: 200 N. 400 East.
  • Kanab: 348 N. 300 West.
  • Delta: 126 White Sage Ave.
  • Fillmore: 65 N. Main St.
  • Mesquite, Nevada: 340 Falcon Ridge Parkway, Suite 600.
  • Overton, Nevada: 475 N. Moapa Valley Blvd.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2022, all rights reserved.