Postoperative Physical Therapy Following Balloon Kyphoplasty for Management of Vertebral Burst Fracture: A Case Report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is paucity in the literature regarding physical therapy (PT) utilization for postoperative management following balloon kyphoplasty (BKP). CASE PRESENTATION: A 74-year-old female with osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis presented with a vertebral burst fracture following a fall. The patient was successfully treated with transforaminal epidural for radiculopathy but underwent a BKP due to worsening low back pain. The patient was referred to PT and began 6 weeks after BKP due to residual low back pain and limitations in functional mobility. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: Significant improvements in Oswestry Disability Index, Patient-Specific Functional Scale, numeric pain-rating scale, and 5 times sit-to-stand were demonstrated following 16 weeks of postoperative PT without adverse events. DISCUSSION: Physical therapy following BKP may reduce pain and fall risk while improving quality of life without adverse events in patients with vertebral burst fracture on an individual basis. JOSPT Cases 2023;3(1):81–95. Epub: 14 December 2022. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2022.11399