Who is a candidate?
Patients with a recent, painful vertebral compression fracture, usually from osteoporosis or sometimes from a tumor, whose pain limits standing and walking or hasn't improved with bracing and medication. MRI is used to confirm that the fracture is still healing.
Vertebroplasty vs. kyphoplasty
Vertebroplasty injects cement directly into the fractured vertebra through a needle. Kyphoplasty first inflates a small balloon inside the bone to create a cavity and may restore some height, then fills the cavity with cement under lower pressure.
The procedure
Using X-ray guidance, a needle is passed through the skin into the vertebra, typically under sedation or general anesthesia. The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes per level, and most patients go home the same day.
After the procedure
- Light activity resumes within a day or two
- Most patients notice reduced pain quickly
- Osteoporosis evaluation and treatment are essential to prevent future fractures
Common questions
Is kyphoplasty painful?
You'll receive anesthesia or sedation during the procedure. Mild soreness at the needle sites is common for a few days.