Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty

What it is and why we do it

These are minimally invasive procedures to treat a painful vertebral compression fracture, usually from osteoporosis, that has not settled with time and supportive care. A special bone cement is placed into the fractured vertebra to stabilize it and relieve pain. In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is first inflated to create a space and restore some height before the cement is placed; vertebroplasty places the cement directly.

What happens during the procedure

It is done as an outpatient or short stay, with X-ray guidance. After numbing, a needle is passed into the fractured bone; in kyphoplasty a balloon gently makes space, and then cement is injected to stabilize the bone, where it hardens quickly. The procedure usually takes about an hour.

What to expect after

Many people feel meaningful pain relief within a day or two and can return to gentle activity soon after. Just as important, treating the fracture is only half the job: I will make sure your osteoporosis is being treated, because that is what protects you from the next fracture.

The science — for the curious

Cement stabilizes the broken bone, and stabilizing it is what relieves the pain. These procedures are reserved for fractures that stay painful despite time and support, since many compression fractures heal well on their own. The lasting benefit, though, comes from pairing the procedure with bone-strengthening treatment — because in osteoporosis, one fracture makes the next more likely, and protecting your bone is the real goal.

Learn more

OrthoInfo — Osteoporosis and Spinal Fractures: orthoinfo.aaos.org

OrthoInfo — Fractures of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine: orthoinfo.aaos.org

This handout is general education about this procedure and does not replace the specific plan, risks, and consent discussion we have together. Your own situation may differ — if anything here does not match what we talked about, what we talked about wins, so please ask me.