Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty provides rapid pain relief for vertebral compression fractures by inflating a balloon to restore vertebral height, then injecting bone cement for permanent stabilization. This minimally invasive procedure often eliminates the need for prolonged bed rest.
When Kyphoplasty Is Recommended
- Painful vertebral compression fractures
- Osteoporotic fractures not healing properly
- Cancer-related vertebral fractures
- Failed conservative treatment for 2+ weeks
- Significant height loss or kyphosis
How Kyphoplasty Works
Needle Placement
Insert needle into fractured vertebra under X-ray guidance
Balloon Inflation
Inflate balloon to restore vertebral height and create cavity
Cement Injection
Remove balloon and inject bone cement into cavity
Stabilization
Cement hardens to provide immediate structural support
Kyphoplasty Advantages
- • Balloon creates controlled space for cement
- • May restore some vertebral height
- • Lower pressure cement injection
- • Reduced risk of cement leakage
- • Better kyphosis correction potential
Benefits of Kyphoplasty
- Rapid pain relief (often within hours)
- Restores vertebral height and alignment
- Prevents further vertebral collapse
- Same-day outpatient procedure
- Minimal tissue damage
- Quick return to normal activities
Risks & Considerations
- Infection, bleeding, or anesthesia risks
- Cement leakage (usually harmless)
- Nerve injury (very rare)
- New fractures in adjacent vertebrae
- Incomplete pain relief in some cases
Recovery Timeline
Procedure Day
Outpatient procedure; home same day; immediate pain relief
Early Recovery
Gradual activity increase; avoid heavy lifting; walking encouraged
Functional Return
Return to normal activities; osteoporosis treatment optimization
Long-term Care
Ongoing bone health management; fall prevention strategies
Ideal Candidates
- Recent vertebral compression fracture (<6 months)
- Significant back pain from fracture
- MRI shows bone marrow edema (active fracture)
- Failed conservative treatment
- Good overall health for procedure
Alternative Treatments
Conservative Options
- • Pain medications and bed rest
- • Back bracing for support
- • Physical therapy when appropriate
- • Osteoporosis medications
Surgical Alternatives
- • Vertebroplasty (cement without balloon)
- • Spinal fusion for severe deformity
- • Vertebral body replacement (rare)
- • Radiofrequency ablation for pain
Why Choose Greenberg Spine
Fellowship Training
Advanced training at Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Brown University
Precision Technique
Careful balloon inflation and cement injection for optimal results
Comprehensive Care
Osteoporosis counseling and fracture prevention strategies
What to Expect
Pre-Procedure
- • Recent MRI to confirm active fracture
- • Blood work and medical clearance
- • Discussion of osteoporosis treatment
Procedure Day
- • Conscious sedation or general anesthesia
- • 30-60 minute procedure duration
- • Real-time X-ray guidance throughout
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Rapid Fracture Relief
Schedule a consultation to see if kyphoplasty can provide immediate relief from your compression fracture pain.
Related Procedures
Evidence Snapshot
Research-Backed Benefits
- Rapid pain relief within 24-48 hours in most patients
- Significant improvement in quality of life scores
- Reduced need for prolonged bed rest and narcotics
- Height restoration superior to vertebroplasty
Clinical Evidence
- Success rates of 85-90% for pain relief
- Lower cement leakage rates compared to vertebroplasty
- Durable results maintained at long-term follow-up
Evidence & Research — FAQs
Does kyphoplasty really work better than conservative treatment?
Multiple randomized trials show kyphoplasty provides faster and more complete pain relief compared to conservative management for acute vertebral compression fractures. The benefit is most pronounced in the first 3-6 months.
What's the evidence for kyphoplasty vs vertebroplasty?
Studies show kyphoplasty achieves better height restoration and may have lower cement leakage rates. Both procedures provide similar pain relief, but kyphoplasty's balloon technique allows more controlled cement placement.
Does kyphoplasty increase risk of new fractures?
Research shows new fractures occur in 10-20% of patients within the first year, but this reflects underlying osteoporosis rather than the procedure itself. Proper osteoporosis treatment is essential for preventing future fractures.
How long do kyphoplasty results last?
Long-term studies demonstrate durable pain relief and maintained vertebral height at 5+ year follow-up. The cement provides permanent structural support, though ongoing osteoporosis management remains crucial.
What factors predict successful kyphoplasty outcomes?
Evidence shows best outcomes in patients treated within 6 months of fracture, with bone marrow edema on MRI, and without severe vertebral collapse. Early intervention and proper patient selection are key.
Summaries reflect current literature; individual results vary.
Information is educational, not medical advice. Outcomes vary. Consult Dr. Greenberg for personalized evaluation and treatment recommendations.