Kyphoplasty
What Is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spinal compression fractures, most commonly caused by osteoporosis or weakened bones. These fractures occur when a vertebra in the spine collapses, often leading to sudden back pain, loss of height, and a forward-stooped posture.
During kyphoplasty, a small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and gently inflated to help restore height and create space. The cavity is then filled with a special bone cement to stabilize the bone.
At OIBortho, our physicians evaluate and treat spinal compression fractures using advanced procedures like kyphoplasty for patients throughout Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties.
When Is Kyphoplasty Recommended?
Kyphoplasty is typically recommended for patients with painful compression fractures that do not improve with rest or conservative care.
It may be considered for:
- Osteoporotic compression fractures
- Sudden onset of back pain after minor injury
- Vertebral fractures from weakened bones
- Painful spinal fractures that limit mobility
- Fractures that do not improve with bracing or medication
Symptoms of Compression Fractures
Patients with spinal compression fractures may experience:
- Sudden, severe back pain
- Pain that worsens with standing or walking
- Relief when lying down
- Loss of height over time
- Stooped or forward posture (kyphosis)
- Limited mobility
- Tenderness over the spine
Symptoms often begin suddenly, especially after a minor fall or movement.
Causes and Risk Factors
Compression fractures that may be treated with kyphoplasty are most commonly caused by:
- Osteoporosis (most common cause)
- Aging and bone loss
- Minor falls or trauma
- Long-term steroid use
- Cancer that weakens bone (less common)
- Poor bone density or nutrition
Weakened vertebrae can collapse even with minimal stress.
How Kyphoplasty Works
During kyphoplasty:
- A small incision is made in the back
- A narrow tube is guided into the fractured vertebra
- A balloon is inserted and gently inflated to restore height
- The balloon is removed, leaving a cavity
- Bone cement is injected to stabilize the bone
The procedure is typically done using image guidance for precision.
Recovery and What to Expect
Kyphoplasty is often performed on an outpatient basis or with a short recovery stay.
Recovery may include:
- Rapid improvement in back pain for many patients
- Walking shortly after the procedure
- Short period of activity modification
- Gradual return to normal activities
- Continued treatment for underlying bone weakness (such as osteoporosis care)
Many patients experience significant pain relief soon after the procedure.
Risks and Considerations
Kyphoplasty is generally safe, but potential risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Cement leakage (rare)
- Nerve irritation or injury (rare)
- Continued or recurrent pain
- Adjacent vertebral fractures over time
A physician will determine whether kyphoplasty is appropriate based on imaging and symptoms.
Why Choose OIBortho?
OIBortho provides expert evaluation and treatment for spinal compression fractures using minimally invasive procedures like kyphoplasty. Our physicians focus on relieving pain quickly, stabilizing the spine, and restoring mobility whenever possible.
We serve patients throughout Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties with comprehensive orthopaedic spine care close to home.
Call 732-800-9000 to speak with one of our scheduling specialists or click here to schedule online 24/7!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes a spinal compression fracture using bone cement.
How is kyphoplasty different from vertebroplasty?
Kyphoplasty uses a balloon to create space before cement is inserted, while vertebroplasty does not.
Does kyphoplasty fix posture?
It may help restore some vertebral height, but results vary depending on the fracture.
How quickly does it work?
Many patients experience pain relief within hours to days.
Is it safe?
Yes, it is generally considered safe, but like all procedures, it carries some risks.
Who needs kyphoplasty?
Patients with painful compression fractures that do not improve with conservative treatment may be candidates.