What Is Kyphoplasty and What Conditions Does It Treat?
A vertebral compression fracture can cause sudden, severe back pain and make everyday activities difficult. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to stabilize certain spinal compression fractures, relieve pain, and help patients return to normal activity.
The procedure is most commonly used for fractures caused by osteoporosis, although it may also be appropriate for select fractures related to trauma, cancer, or other conditions that weaken the vertebrae.
What Is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a procedure that stabilizes a fractured or collapsed vertebra, one of the bones that make up the spine.
During the procedure, a physician guides a narrow tube into the affected vertebra using real-time X-ray imaging. A small balloon is then inserted and carefully inflated to create space within the bone. The balloon is removed, and the space is filled with medical-grade bone cement to stabilize the fracture.
Kyphoplasty may help:
- Reduce fracture-related back pain
- Improve mobility and daily function
- Stabilize the damaged vertebra
- Restore some vertebral height in certain cases
- Reduce the need for pain medication
The amount of height that can be restored varies, and not every compression fracture requires kyphoplasty.
What Conditions Can Kyphoplasty Treat?
Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
Osteoporosis is the most common cause of vertebral compression fractures. As bones become weaker, a vertebra may fracture during a fall or while performing an ordinary movement such as bending, lifting, or twisting. In severe cases, even coughing or sneezing may place enough stress on the bone to cause a fracture.
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden or worsening back pain
- Pain that increases with standing or walking
- Loss of height
- A rounded or stooped posture
- Difficulty completing normal daily activities
Kyphoplasty may be considered when a painful compression fracture has been confirmed through imaging and symptoms have not improved adequately with conservative treatment.
Fractures Related to Cancer
Some cancers can spread to the spine and weaken the vertebrae. Multiple myeloma may also damage vertebral bone. When these conditions cause a painful compression fracture, kyphoplasty may be used to stabilize the affected vertebra and reduce pain.
Treatment decisions are made carefully and may involve collaboration among spine specialists, oncologists, and other members of the patient’s care team.
Select Traumatic Compression Fractures
Kyphoplasty may occasionally be considered for a traumatic vertebral compression fracture. Whether the procedure is appropriate depends on the fracture pattern, spinal stability, symptoms, and whether nearby nerves or the spinal cord are affected.
More complex or unstable spinal fractures may require a different type of treatment.
Kyphoplasty vs. Vertebroplasty
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are both minimally invasive procedures that use bone cement to stabilize a fractured vertebra.
The primary difference is that kyphoplasty uses a small balloon to create a cavity inside the vertebra before the cement is placed. This step may also restore a portion of the vertebra’s lost height. Vertebroplasty involves injecting cement directly into the fractured bone without using a balloon.
A specialist can determine which treatment, if either, is appropriate based on the age and location of the fracture, imaging findings, symptoms, and overall health.
How Is Kyphoplasty Performed?
Before kyphoplasty, the physician will review the patient’s symptoms, medical history, medications, and imaging. X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be used to confirm the fracture and determine whether it is new enough to benefit from treatment.
The procedure generally includes the following steps:
- Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia is administered.
- Using X-ray guidance, the physician inserts a narrow tube through a small incision and into the fractured vertebra.
- A small balloon is passed through the tube and gently inflated to create space within the bone.
- The balloon is removed, and bone cement is placed into the cavity.
- The cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the vertebra.
Kyphoplasty often takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes for each vertebra treated. Many patients return home the same day, although an overnight stay may be recommended depending on the number of vertebrae treated and the patient’s overall health.
Who May Be a Candidate for Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty may be considered when:
- Back pain can be linked to a vertebral compression fracture
- Imaging shows a recent or unhealed fracture
- Pain is limiting mobility or daily activities
- Symptoms have not improved sufficiently with nonsurgical treatment
- The fracture does not involve significant pressure on the spinal cord or nerves
Kyphoplasty is generally not used to treat routine back pain, arthritis, muscle strains, or disc-related pain.
The procedure may not be appropriate for a fracture that has already healed, a fracture that is not causing symptoms, an active infection, an uncorrected bleeding disorder, or certain unstable fractures involving the spinal canal.
Benefits and Risks of Kyphoplasty
Many patients experience meaningful pain relief and improved mobility following kyphoplasty. Some notice improvement within the first few days, although results vary based on the fracture and the patient’s overall condition.
As with any medical procedure, kyphoplasty has potential risks. These can include:
- Cement leaking outside the vertebra
- Bleeding or infection
- Persistent or increased pain
- Nerve irritation or injury
- An allergic reaction to medication or procedural materials
- New fractures in nearby vertebrae
- Rarely, cement entering a blood vessel or traveling to the lungs
The physician will review the potential benefits and risks before recommending treatment.
What Are the Alternatives to Kyphoplasty?
Not every vertebral compression fracture requires a procedure. Initial treatment may include:
- Temporary activity modification
- Bracing
- Physical therapy
- Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication
- Osteoporosis evaluation and treatment
- Fall-prevention strategies
Surgery may be necessary when a fracture causes spinal instability, pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, or neurological symptoms such as weakness or loss of sensation.
Recovery After Kyphoplasty
Patients are usually encouraged to begin walking soon after the procedure. Light activities may often be resumed within a day or two, but the physician may recommend temporarily avoiding heavy lifting, repetitive bending, and twisting.
Patients should contact their care team promptly if they experience:
- New or worsening back pain
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness
- Fever, chills, redness, or drainage near the incision
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- New leg swelling or calf pain
Follow-up care should also address the underlying cause of the fracture. When osteoporosis is involved, treatment may include medication, appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake, weight-bearing exercise, strength and balance training, and strategies to reduce fall risk.
Is Kyphoplasty Right for You?
Sudden back pain—particularly in someone with osteoporosis, a history of cancer, or a recent fall—should be evaluated promptly. Imaging can determine whether a vertebral compression fracture is present and help identify the most appropriate treatment.
A spine or interventional pain specialist can review your symptoms and imaging, explain your nonsurgical options, and determine whether kyphoplasty may help relieve your pain and restore mobility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kyphoplasty
Is kyphoplasty considered major surgery?
No. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a small incision. It does not require the larger incision or extensive recovery typically associated with open spine surgery.
Is kyphoplasty painful?
Anesthesia and sedation are used to keep patients comfortable during the procedure. Some soreness near the treatment area may occur afterward, but it is generally temporary.
How quickly does kyphoplasty relieve pain?
Some patients experience meaningful pain relief within a few days, although recovery and results vary. The age and severity of the fracture, overall health, and presence of other spinal conditions can affect the outcome.
How long does it take to recover from kyphoplasty?
Many patients return home the same day and resume light activities within a day or two. Your physician will provide individualized guidance about driving, exercise, work, lifting, bending, and twisting.
How long does the bone cement used in kyphoplasty last?
The bone cement is designed to remain permanently within the treated vertebra and provide long-term stability. However, kyphoplasty does not treat the osteoporosis or other condition that caused the fracture.
Can a vertebral compression fracture heal without kyphoplasty?
Yes. Many compression fractures improve with nonsurgical treatment, including activity modification, bracing, physical therapy, and pain medication. Kyphoplasty may be considered when pain remains significant, limits mobility, and can be linked to a recent or unhealed fracture on imaging.
Can kyphoplasty prevent future compression fractures?
Kyphoplasty stabilizes the treated vertebra but does not prevent fractures in other parts of the spine. Treating osteoporosis, improving strength and balance, and reducing fall risk are important for preventing future fractures.
