How it works
How kyphoplasty works
A compression fracture happens when a bone in the spine, called a vertebra, collapses. It can cause pain, a loss of height in the bone and a forward curve of the spine called kyphosis.
During kyphoplasty, a small incision is made in the back, and a narrow tube is guided to the fractured vertebra using x-ray images. A special balloon is placed through the tube and gently inflated, which creates a cavity. The balloon is then removed, and the cavity is filled with a cement-like material called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The cement hardens and aims to stabilize the bone and ease the pain. It may also help improve some of the lost height in the bone.
Who may benefit
Who may be a candidate for kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is used for spinal compression fractures, which are most commonly caused by osteoporosis. Other conditions can also cause them. The fracture can cause back pain that does not ease with rest and can make it hard to stand straight or move.
At Lewis Pain & Physical Medicine, your provider may recommend it to help reduce fracture pain and support the spine. A candidate is usually someone with a recent spinal compression fracture. At your consultation, your provider reviews your medical history, your symptoms and your spinal x-rays to decide whether kyphoplasty may suit you.
Kyphoplasty cannot correct long-standing spinal curves, so it is best to be seen soon after you notice a sudden change in your back or your posture.
What to expect
What to expect before, during and after kyphoplasty
Before your procedure
Your provider reviews your history and x-rays and explains the plan. Tell the team about your medicines, especially blood thinners, and your allergies, and ask how to prepare. Check coverage with your insurance plan before the procedure.
During the procedure
Your provider will discuss sedation options for your procedure at your visit. X-ray guidance is used to place the tube and balloon. The balloon is inflated and removed, and then the cavity is filled with bone cement. The process can take up to about an hour for each vertebra treated.
After your procedure
Your provider gives you instructions for after the procedure. You will need a follow-up visit so your plan can be adjusted if needed. Some people notice pain relief soon after the procedure, but everyone is different.
If you have osteoporosis, you may be at risk of future spinal fractures, and other treatments for your bone health may be discussed at your visits.
Benefits and limitations
How long the effect may last
Some people notice relief soon after the procedure, but everyone is different. How long the effect lasts also varies from person to person. Your provider will review what to expect for your situation.
Risks and side effects
Risks and side effects of kyphoplasty
Like any procedure, kyphoplasty has risks. They can include soreness at the site, bleeding, infection, nerve irritation, a reaction to the medicine, cement leaking outside the bone and new fractures in nearby bones.
Please talk with your provider about the risks that apply to you before you decide.
Common questions
Questions about kyphoplasty
Your provider can talk through your own plan at your visit.
What is kyphoplasty and how does it work?
Kyphoplasty treats painful spinal compression fractures. A balloon is placed in the fractured vertebra and inflated to create space, and then the space is filled with bone cement. The cement aims to stabilize the bone and ease the pain.
Who may be a candidate for kyphoplasty?
People with a recent spinal compression fracture, often from osteoporosis, may be candidates. Your provider will look at your history, symptoms and spinal x-rays to decide. Kyphoplasty cannot correct long-standing spinal curves.
How long does the procedure take, and is it painful?
It can take up to about an hour for each vertebra treated. Your provider will discuss sedation options for your procedure at your visit. You may have some soreness afterward.
What is recovery like, and when can I drive or go back to work?
Your provider gives you instructions after the procedure, and you will return for a follow-up visit. Some people notice pain relief soon after the procedure, but everyone is different. Your team will tell you when you can drive and return to work.
How long might the effect last?
Many people notice relief soon after the procedure. How long it lasts varies from person to person, and your provider will review what to expect. If you have osteoporosis, new fractures can still happen, so other treatments may be discussed.
Clinical references
Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. This page shares general information. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with a qualified clinician.