Request an Appointment

Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spine procedure used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), which are most commonly caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer. These fractures can lead to significant discomfort, reduced mobility, spinal deformity, and a noticeable stooped posture. Without intervention, compression fractures can severely impact a patient’s ability to perform everyday activities and enjoy a good quality of life.

Kyphoplasty is designed to stabilize the fractured vertebra, restore spinal alignment, and relieve pain—often immediately. It’s typically performed on an outpatient basis and is considered one of the most effective options for quickly restoring function in patients suffering from this type of injury.

What Is a Vertebral Compression Fracture?

A vertebral compression fracture occurs when a vertebra—one of the bones in the spine—collapses or compresses due to weakening, often from osteoporosis. These fractures can also result from spinal trauma or cancer that weakens the bone.

Patients with VCFs often experience:

  • Sudden onset of back pain

  • Pain that worsens with standing or walking

  • Loss of height

  • Spinal curvature or kyphosis (forward rounding of the back)

  • Limited mobility

If left untreated, VCFs can lead to chronic pain and long-term spinal deformity.

How Kyphoplasty Works

Kyphoplasty stabilizes the fractured vertebra and helps restore vertebral height using a balloon-assisted technique followed by bone cement placement. Here’s how the procedure is typically performed:

  1. Imaging and Preparation – Using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, the physician identifies the exact location of the fractured vertebra.

  2. Balloon Insertion – A small incision is made, and a narrow tube is inserted into the vertebra. Through this tube, a medical balloon is inserted and carefully inflated.

  3. Cavity Creation – The balloon creates a space within the vertebral body, helping to restore some of its lost height.

  4. Bone Cement Application – Once the balloon is deflated and removed, the cavity is filled with bone cement, which hardens rapidly and stabilizes the bone.

The procedure generally takes under an hour per vertebra and is performed with either local or general anesthesia.

What to Expect After the Procedure

Most patients experience significant pain relief within 24 to 48 hours after kyphoplasty. The incision is very small, and stitches are usually not required. Patients can typically resume light activities shortly after the procedure, although heavy lifting or intense exercise is discouraged for several weeks.

Some patients may benefit from physical therapy or osteoporosis treatment following kyphoplasty to strengthen the spine and prevent future fractures.

Conditions Treated with Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is used to treat vertebral fractures caused by:

  • Osteoporosis – A condition that weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures

  • Trauma – Injuries from falls, car accidents, or other accidents

  • Cancer – Metastatic cancer or multiple myeloma affecting the spine

  • Spinal deformities – Such as kyphosis, resulting from collapsed vertebrae

To learn more about these conditions, visit our Conditions Treated section.

Benefits of Kyphoplasty

  • Rapid and lasting pain relief

  • Restoration of spinal height and alignment

  • Improved mobility and posture

  • Reduced need for pain medications

  • Minimally invasive with fast recovery

  • Can prevent further spinal collapse or deformity

Is Kyphoplasty Right for You?

If you’ve been diagnosed with a vertebral compression fracture and conservative treatments like bracing, pain medications, or rest haven’t helped, kyphoplasty may be the solution. It is especially beneficial for older adults, individuals with osteoporosis, or patients who are not surgical candidates for more invasive spinal procedures.

Get Relief with Ascent Pain

At Ascent Pain, we specialize in advanced interventional procedures designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help you return to the life you love. Our team is experienced in performing kyphoplasty safely and effectively using state-of-the-art imaging and techniques.

Call Ascent Pain at (504) 249-7576 or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation and find out if kyphoplasty is right for you.