Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures that treat painful spinal compression fractures often caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or weakened bones. Dr. Dipan Patel uses these techniques to stabilize your spine, reduce pain, and restore mobility when conservative treatments no longer provide relief, helping you return to normal activities.
Stabilize Spinal Fractures for Lasting Relief
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are advanced, minimally invasive procedures that relieve pain from spinal compression fractures. In vertebroplasty, medical-grade bone cement is carefully injected into the fractured vertebra to stabilize and strengthen it. Kyphoplasty takes this a step further by first creating space within the collapsed bone using a small balloon, which may help restore height before cement is added. Both procedures are effective options when rest, medication, or bracing fail, helping you regain stability, reduce pain, and improve function.
Benefits of Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty:
- Rapid pain relief, often within hours or days after the procedure
- Stabilize fractured vertebrae, reducing the risk of further collapse
- Improve spinal alignment by restoring lost height (especially with kyphoplasty)
- Enhance mobility, allowing you to return to daily activities sooner
- Reduce dependence on pain medications and their side effects
- Minimize the risk of spinal deformity and related complications
- Performed as outpatient procedures with a short recovery time
- Minimally invasive techniques with lower risk than open surgery
What Do Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty Treat?
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are performed to treat painful vertebral compression fractures, which occur when weakened spinal bones collapse under pressure. These fractures are most often linked to osteoporosis but can also result from trauma, cancer, or long-term steroid use. Left untreated, they may cause severe pain, loss of mobility, and spinal deformity.
Common symptoms that may improve with kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty include:
- Sudden, sharp back pain that worsens with movement
- Loss of height or a stooped posture
- Difficulty standing upright or walking comfortably
- Spinal deformity, such as curvature or “dowager’s hump”
- Difficulty breathing or eating due to spinal curvature
- Fatigue from chronic pain and reduced activity levels
- Radiating pain, numbness, or tingling if nerves are compressed
Am I a Candidate for Kyphoplasty &
Vertebroplasty?
You may be a candidate if you have a painful vertebral compression fracture that has not improved with conservative treatments like rest, bracing, or pain medication. These procedures are most commonly recommended for fractures caused by osteoporosis, but they can also be considered if your fracture is due to trauma, cancer, or long-term steroid use. Dr. Patel will confirm your eligibility using imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI scans, or CT scans.
What Happens During Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty?
During kyphoplasty, you will lie face down while the area is numbed with local anesthesia, sometimes combined with sedation. A small incision is made in your back, and under live X-ray (fluoroscopy), a narrow tube called a trocar is guided into the collapsed vertebra. Through this channel, a tiny balloon is inserted and carefully inflated to lift the compressed bone, creating space and restoring lost height. Once the balloon is removed, medical-grade bone cement is injected into the cavity to harden and stabilize the bone.
The surgical steps for vertebroplasty are similar, but no balloon is used. During the procedure, the trocar is positioned directly into the fractured vertebra, and then medical-grade bone cement is injected under pressure to fill the cracks and reinforce the structure. The cement solidifies within minutes, reducing the risk of further collapse. Both procedures are minimally invasive, usually take less than an hour, and require only a small bandage afterward.
What Is the Recovery Process Like?
Most patients return home the same day. You may need to rest in bed for the first 24 hours, but you can usually resume light activities soon after. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for about six weeks. Some patients benefit from a structured rehabilitation program to strengthen spinal muscles and improve posture.
Are the Results Permanent?
The bone cement used in both procedures hardens within minutes and provides lasting stabilization of the treated vertebra.
However, having one compression fracture increases your risk of developing new fractures, especially if osteoporosis is not managed. Following up with your physician for osteoporosis treatment, lifestyle changes, and bone-strengthening medications is crucial to protect your spine.
Why Choose Dr. Patel for Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty?
Dr. Dipan Patel is a double board-certified interventional pain physician with advanced fellowship training in minimally invasive spine procedures. He specializes in treating spinal compression fractures using innovative techniques like kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty to restore stability and improve mobility without surgery. If you’ve been struggling with persistent back pain, you don’t have to live with the limitations any longer. Schedule your consultation today to explore your candidacy for kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty in Morris County, NJ.
