Kyphoplasty for Compression Fractures: Timing, Benefits, Limits
A Fort Wayne Guide to Vertebral Compression Fracture Treatment
Dr. Marc Greenberg
Fellowship-Trained Spine Surgeon
Dr. Greenberg completed advanced fellowship training at Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Brown University. He specializes in minimally invasive and motion-preserving spine surgery, with a focus on evidence-based care and shared decision-making.
Who May Benefit from Kyphoplasty
Ideal Candidates
In appropriately selected acute/severe osteoporotic fractures with persistent pain and disability, randomized trials show faster pain relief and functional gains with balloon kyphoplasty compared with non-surgical care.
- Painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs)
- Failed conservative treatment (4-6 weeks)
- Significant functional impairment
- Osteoporotic bone quality
Why Choose Greenberg Spine?
Dr. Marc Greenberg brings fellowship-trained expertise in minimally invasive and motion-preserving spine surgery to Fort Wayne. Our evidence-based approach combines the latest surgical techniques with personalized patient care.
Kyphoplasty vs Vertebroplasty
Balloon Kyphoplasty
Uses an inflatable balloon to create a cavity before cement injection, potentially restoring vertebral height and reducing kyphotic deformity.
- Lower cement leak rates
- May improve vertebral height
- Controlled cement placement
Vertebroplasty
Direct injection of bone cement into the fractured vertebra without balloon expansion. Typically shorter procedure time.
- Shorter operative time
- Less expensive procedure
- Similar long-term outcomes
Clinical Evidence: Head-to-head trials report similar long-term pain/disability outcomes; kyphoplasty tends to have fewer cement leaks and may improve vertebral height/kyphosis, while vertebroplasty is typically shorter.
Timing Matters: When to Intervene
The 4-Week Window
Earlier intervention (<4 weeks) after failed conservative care and imaging-confirmed acuity is associated with better pain/function in meta-analysis.
Acute Phase (0-4 weeks)
- Optimal timing for intervention
- Best height restoration potential
- Faster pain relief
Subacute (4-12 weeks)
- Still beneficial for pain
- Limited height restoration
- Case-by-case evaluation
Chronic (>12 weeks)
- Limited benefit expected
- Consider alternative treatments
- Focus on bone health
Key Cautions & Contraindications
Absolute Contraindications
Not for infection, unstable burst fractures, or untreated coagulopathy. Always pair with bone-health optimization.
- Active spinal infection (osteomyelitis)
- Unstable burst fractures with retropulsion
- Uncorrected bleeding disorders
- Severe spinal canal compromise
Essential: Bone Health Optimization
Kyphoplasty treats the fracture but doesn't address underlying osteoporosis. Comprehensive bone health management is crucial for preventing future fractures.
- Calcium and Vitamin D supplementation
- Bisphosphonate or other anti-resorptive therapy
- Fall prevention strategies
- Regular bone density monitoring
Outcomes & Realistic Expectations
Expected Benefits
- Significant pain reduction (70-90% of patients)
- Improved mobility and function
- Reduced narcotic dependence
- Faster return to activities
Potential Risks
- Cement leakage (5-10% symptomatic)
- Adjacent level fractures
- Infection (rare, <1%)
- Incomplete pain relief
Suffering from a Compression Fracture?
Schedule a consultation to determine if kyphoplasty is right for your vertebral compression fracture.
Related Information
Disclaimer: Information is educational, not medical advice. Outcomes vary. Individual results depend on many factors including age, health status, anatomy, and adherence to post-operative instructions. Always consult with a qualified spine surgeon for personalized medical advice.
Related Articles
Why Your Legs Hurt When You Walk: Neurogenic Claudication (Explained)
What neurogenic claudication is, how it differs from vascular claudication, and modern minimally invasive options.
Cervical Disc Replacement vs ACDF: A Surgeon's Comprehensive Guide
Compare motion preservation with disc replacement to traditional fusion—indications, recovery, risks, and candidacy.
Spine Imaging 101: MRI vs CT (and When Each Is Best)
MRI is usually first-line for nerve compression and disc problems; CT excels at bone, fractures, and hardware—use the right test at the right time per ACR guidelines.