How can a redo kyphoplasty help to alleviate a patient's pain?
If the original kyphoplasty that was performed did not inject enough polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement to support the vertebral body, a redo kyphoplasty can add more cement to stabilize the vertebral body.
First image is the post-procedure lateral view of the spine obtained after the initial L1 kyphoplasty. Second image is the post-procedure lateral view of the spine obtained after the redo kyphoplasty.
After discussing potential risks with the patient, a redo kyphoplasty to repair the L1 fracture was performed 12 days after the new diagnostic MRI. The L1 vertebral body was localized fluoroscopically in two different planes (AP and lateral). Using fluoroscopic guidance, a trochar needle was inserted and advanced into the right and left posterolateral aspects of the vertebral body. A hand drill was used to create a track for the insertion of a balloon. Two balloons were positioned within the vertebra and inflated. The balloons were then removed and liquid polymethylmethacrylate bone cement was injected into the vertebral body. The trocar needles were then pulled back and removed. The patient showed no signs of post-procedural complications.
Four days later, a call to the patient showed that no back pain was present.