Kyphoplasty (Balloon Vertebroplasty)

Kyphoplasty, also known as Balloon Vertebroplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve pain and stabilize spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or certain cancers. Using a small balloon and medical-grade cement, the procedure restores height to the collapsed vertebra and strengthens the bone, helping patients experience rapid pain relief, improved mobility, and a return to normal activities with minimal downtime.

Quick facts

  • Setting: Outpatient, image-guided
  • Time: ~45–60 minutes
  • Anesthesia: Local with sedation or general anesthesia
  • Recovery: Same-day discharge; resume light activity in 1–2 days
  • Duration of relief: Long-lasting; pain improvement is often immediate

Who it helps

  • Painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) from osteoporosis
  • Spinal fractures caused by trauma or cancer (metastatic lesions)
  • Patients with severe, persistent back pain unrelieved by medication or bracing
  • Individuals at risk for progressive spinal deformity from vertebral collapse

How it works

A vertebral compression fracture occurs when a bone in the spine weakens and collapses, often causing intense back pain and height loss. During a kyphoplasty, your provider uses fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to insert a small tube into the fractured vertebra. A balloon is then carefully inflated to restore height and create a cavity inside the bone. Once the balloon is removed, this space is filled with bone cement, stabilizing the fracture and preventing further collapse.

What to expect

  • Before: Your provider will review imaging to confirm that a fracture is suitable for kyphoplasty. You may need to stop certain medications before the procedure.
  • During: You’ll lie face down while the skin is numbed. Using imaging guidance, the provider advances a small needle into the affected vertebra, inflates a balloon to create space, and injects bone cement to stabilize the bone.
  • After: You’ll rest briefly in recovery and can typically go home the same day. Most patients notice immediate or rapid pain relief and can resume light activities within 24–48 hours.

Benefits & risks

Benefits:

  • Rapid and often dramatic pain relief
  • Stabilizes the fractured vertebra and prevents further collapse
  • Can restore vertebral height and spinal alignment
  • Improves mobility and quality of life

Risks:

  • Leakage of bone cement (rare and minimized with imaging)
  • Infection or bleeding
  • Temporary soreness at the puncture site
  • Rare adjacent-level fractures

Is it right for me? (Checklist)

  • ✅ Diagnosed vertebral compression fracture causing significant pain
  • ✅ Pain not relieved by rest, medication, or bracing
  • ✅ Suitable imaging showing fracture location and age
  • ✅ Able to undergo a minimally invasive outpatient procedure

Alternatives at PCET

FAQs

  • When will I feel relief? Many patients experience pain relief within hours of the procedure.
  • Will I regain height? Some restoration of vertebral height and posture is common, though it varies by fracture severity.
  • How long does the cement last? The bone cement hardens within minutes and provides permanent stabilization.
  • Can fractures return? The treated vertebra is stabilized, but other weak vertebrae may remain at risk without addressing osteoporosis.
  • Is it covered by insurance? Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover kyphoplasty when medically indicated.

📞 Call to Schedule

If you’re experiencing severe back pain from a spinal fracture, kyphoplasty may offer rapid relief and lasting stability. Call (865) 579-0552 to schedule your appointment today.