Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures designed to relieve spinal pain and restore mobility by injecting a specialized bone cement into fractured vertebrae. The key distinction between the two procedures is that kyphoplasty involves an additional step—before injecting the cement, a balloon-like device is inserted into the vertebral body to restore some lost height and reduce deformity.
At MIPM Clinic in Northwest Indiana, we specialize in minimally invasive treatment options for chronic back and sacroiliac joint pain. Our highly trained specialists offer cutting-edge procedures, including lumbar fusion and sacroiliac joint fusion, to help you regain your quality of life.
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On This Page
What Causes Spinal Fractures?
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Fractures?
What Happens During the Kyphoplasty Procedure?
What Should I Expect After the Procedure?
Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Risks
What Are the Benefits of Balloon Kyphoplasty? Kyphoplasty provides several advantages over traditional treatments:
Who Is a Candidate for Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty?
How do Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Work?
Vertebroplasty
Kyphoplasty
FAQs
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are innovative procedures that can significantly improve mobility and enhance quality of life for individuals suffering from spinal fractures. If you’re dealing with persistent back pain or limited movement due to a vertebral fracture, our pain management experts are here to help. Through a thorough evaluation, we will determine the most effective treatment approach tailored to your specific needs.
Your doctor may recommend vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty if:
Conventional treatments have not successfully relieved your pain.
You experience ongoing or debilitating pain that affects daily activities.
Your fracture has led to complications such as:
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
Progression of osteoporosis
Breathing difficulties
Loss of height or postural changes
Emotional or social distress
At MIPM in Northwest Indiana, we specialize in minimally invasive treatments for chronic spinal conditions. Our highly trained team offers advanced techniques, including lumbar and sacroiliac joint fusion, to provide long-lasting relief and help you regain your independence.
What Causes Spinal Fractures?
Spinal fractures occur when vertebrae become weakened and unable to support normal body weight or sudden impact forces. Several conditions can increase the risk of vertebral fractures, including:
Osteoporosis – A loss of bone density makes vertebrae more fragile and prone to fractures.
Osteogenesis Imperfecta – A genetic disorder causing bones to be extremely brittle.
Spinal Tumors – Malignant growths can weaken vertebrae and increase fracture risk.
Trauma – Falls, car accidents, or other high-impact injuries can cause fractures, even in healthy spines.
What Are the Symptoms of Spinal Fractures?
A fractured vertebra often causes severe back pain, particularly while standing or walking. Other symptoms may include:
Weakness or numbness in affected nerve areas
Limited spinal movement and difficulty performing daily activities
Height loss due to multiple fractures
Hunched posture, breathing difficulties, or digestive issues
To diagnose a vertebral fracture, your doctor may order X-rays, MRI scans, or bone scans to assess the spine’s condition.
What Happens During the Kyphoplasty Procedure?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that follows these key steps:
Incision – A small cut is made in the back to access the affected vertebra.
Balloon Placement – Using X-ray guidance, a thin tube is inserted into the vertebra, through which a balloon is inflated to restore height.
Bone Cement Injection – The balloon is removed, and the space is filled with specialized Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement to stabilize the bone.
Pain Relief – Once the cement hardens, the vertebra is stabilized, often leading to rapid pain relief.
What Should I Expect After the Procedure?
You will rest on your back for an hour while the cement hardens.
An observation period of 1 to 2 hours will follow.
Pain relief can be immediate, but some patients may take up to 72 hours to experience full benefits.
Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers for temporary discomfort.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled in the following weeks to monitor recovery.
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Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Risks
Both procedures are generally safe and well-tolerated, but potential risks include:
Temporary pain worsening as the cement cures
Minor bleeding or infection at the injection site
Nerve root irritation or cement leakage
Rare complications such as rib fractures or deep vein thrombosis
Your doctor will discuss these risks and determine if you are a suitable candidate for treatment.
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What Are the Benefits of Balloon Kyphoplasty? Kyphoplasty provides several advantages over traditional treatments:
Pain Reduction: Most patients experience significant pain relief almost immediately.
Spinal Alignment Improvement: Helps correct spinal deformities caused by fractures.
Minimally Invasive: Small incisions lead to shorter recovery times.
Faster Recovery: Many patients return home the same day.
Improved Mobility : Reduced pain allows for a quicker return to daily activities.
No Bracing Needed: Unlike traditional spinal treatments, kyphoplasty rarely requires back braces.
Lower Risk of Future Fractures: Stabilizing the vertebrae helps prevent additional spinal issues.
Who Is a Candidate for Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty?
At MIPM Clinic, we only recommend these procedures when conservative treatments—such as pain medication, physical therapy, or bracing—have failed.
Candidates may include:
Patients with severe osteoporosis-related fractures
Individuals with vertebral fractures due to tumors
Older adults or those with impaired bone healing
Patients with chronic pain or mobility issues from spinal fractures
Recovery times vary, with most fractures healing within 8 to 12 weeks, depending on severity.
How do Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Work?
Vertebroplasty
Anesthesia – You will receive local or general anesthesia for comfort.
Needle Insertion – A fine needle is guided toward the fractured vertebra using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray).
Cement Injection – A specialized bone cement is injected into the fracture, stabilizing the vertebra.
Hardening Process – The cement solidifies quickly, providing immediate support and pain relief.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty but includes an additional step to restore vertebral height.
Balloon Insertion – A small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra to create a cavity and restore some height.
Balloon Removal – Once the desired height is achieved, the balloon is removed.
Cement Injection – The cavity is filled with bone cement to stabilize the vertebra.
Both procedures are typically outpatient, lasting around 60 minutes, followed by a brief observation period before discharge. Some patients may require an overnight stay for monitoring.
FAQs
Are Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Major Surgeries?
No. Both are minimally invasive procedures, involving only a small incision rather than large surgical cuts.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty?
Most patients experience pain relief within days and return to normal activities in a few weeks.
What Is Another Name for Kyphoplasty?
Yes, kyphoplasty is also referred to as balloon vertebroplasty due to the balloon-assisted height restoration step