The SpineJack approach is a type of kyphoplasty procedure. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat compression fractures in the spine, particularly in the vertebrae of the thoracic and lumbar regions. Compression fractures can occur due to osteoporosis, trauma, or certain medical conditions.
During a kyphoplasty procedure, a small incision is made in the back, and a narrow tube is inserted into the fractured vertebra under X-ray guidance. The SpineJack device is then inserted through the tube and into the fractured area of the vertebra. The device consists of two inflatable balloons, which are inflated to create a cavity within the vertebral body.
Once the balloons are in place, they are deflated and removed, leaving behind an open space within the vertebra. This cavity is then filled with a special bone cement, which hardens and stabilizes the fractured vertebra. The cement helps to restore the height and shape of the vertebra, providing support and pain relief.
The SpineJack approach offers several advantages over traditional kyphoplasty techniques. One of the key advantages is the ability to increase the height of the fractured vertebra. By using the inflatable balloons, the surgeon can restore the original height of the vertebra, thereby correcting any deformity and reducing the kyphotic curvature of the spine.
Another advantage of the SpineJack approach is the ability to control the amount of cement injected into the vertebra. This helps to minimize the risk of cement leakage, which can occur with excessive cement injection. Cement leakage can potentially lead to complications such as nerve irritation or damage.
In my personal experience, I have seen the positive outcomes of using the SpineJack approach in kyphoplasty procedures. Patients who have undergone this procedure have reported significant pain relief and improved spinal alignment. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure also allows for quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional open surgery.
To summarize, the SpineJack approach is indeed a type of kyphoplasty procedure. It involves the use of a specialized device to create a cavity within the fractured vertebra and inject bone cement to stabilize and restore the height of the vertebra. This technique offers advantages such as vertebral height restoration and controlled cement injection, leading to improved pain relief and spinal alignment.