Kyphoplasty

What is a kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs)—often caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or certain tumors—by restoring vertebral height and reinforcing the bone with medical-grade cement.

Why your provider may recommend it

Kyphoplasty can help:

• Reduce or eliminate pain by stabilizing the fractured vertebra.
• Restore lost vertebral height after collapse.
• Prevent further collapse by internally “casting” the fracture with bone cement.

1. Preparation: You’ll lie on your stomach. Anesthesia keeps you comfortable (local with sedation or general).
2. Access: A tiny skin incision (about fingernail-sized) is made over the fractured level.
3. Balloon insertion: Guided by live X-ray (fluoroscopy), a narrow tube reaches the vertebra; a small balloon is inflated to create a cavity and help restore height.
4. Cement injection: The balloon is removed; the cavity is filled with fast-hardening bone cement (PMMA) to stabilize the bone.
5. Closure: The tube is removed, and a bandage is applied—stitches are usually not needed.
6. Most kyphoplasty procedures are outpatient, so you go home the same day.

What to expect from the procedure

Before your procedure:

• You may be asked not to eat or drink for a set period.
• Review current medications with your provider—some may be paused.
• Arrange a driver for the trip home.

After your procedure:

• You’ll recover under observation for a few hours.
• Mild incision soreness is common and manageable with medication.
• Many patients notice significant pain relief within 24–48 hours.
• You’ll receive guidance on resuming activities; early walking is typically encouraged as you feel comfortable.

Recovery & outlook

• Immediate improvement: Most patients experience significant pain relief within the first two days.
• Activity level: Light activities and walking are encouraged shortly after the procedure. You should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until cleared by our team.
• Long-term results: Kyphoplasty stabilizes the treated vertebra and often prevents further collapse at that level. Pain relief is typically lasting, allowing patients to return to their normal routines.
• Prevention: Because new fractures can occur in weakened bones, we may recommend bone-strengthening medications, nutrition guidance, and follow-up care to support your long-term spine health.

Who may be a candidate?

You may be a candidate if you have:

• A confirmed vertebral compression fracture
• Pain that limits your daily activities
• Imaging that shows restorable vertebral height

Your doctor will determine candidacy based on your history, exam, and imaging.

FAQs

Is kyphoplasty painful?

Most patients are comfortable during the procedure. Some temporary soreness at the incision site is normal.

How long is the recovery?

Many of our patients feel better within 1–2 days and gradually return to normal activities.

Will the cement move?

The cement hardens quickly and is designed to stay in place. Using a balloon helps minimize leakage risk.

Is this the same as vertebroplasty?

Both are similar, but kyphoplasty uses a balloon to create space and can restore vertebral height before cement placement.

Schedule a consultation

If back pain from a vertebral compression fracture is limiting your life, our spine team can help you decide if kyphoplasty is right for you.