Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that uses a small balloon and bone cement to stabilize a painful vertebral compression fracture and, in many cases, help restore some of the vertebra’s lost height.
OVERVIEW
What kyphoplasty is and how it works
When a vertebra in the spine collapses — most often from osteoporosis, a fall, or a bone weakened by a tumor — the result can be sudden, sharp back pain that worsens with standing or movement. Kyphoplasty (also called balloon vertebral augmentation) is designed to treat that fractured bone directly rather than simply masking the pain.
Using continuous X-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance, your physician advances a thin hollow needle through a small skin nick into the collapsed vertebra. A small balloon is then carefully inflated inside the bone to gently raise the compressed vertebra toward its original height and create a cavity. The balloon is removed, and that space is filled with surgical bone cement, which hardens within minutes to internally stabilize the fracture. Unlike a simple injection around a nerve, kyphoplasty is a structural repair of the bone itself.
CONDITIONS
What kyphoplasty commonly treats
Kyphoplasty is most appropriate for painful, relatively recent vertebral compression fractures that have not improved with conservative care such as rest, bracing, and medication. Many fractures heal on their own with time, so your physician will confirm that the fracture is the source of your pain — often using an MRI — before recommending treatment.
Commonly treats
Treatment tends to work best when performed within roughly eight weeks of the fracture, before the vertebra heals in a collapsed position. If your back pain has a different source, our physicians will tailor a plan to your diagnosis.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your kyphoplasty procedure, step by step
Before
Imaging such as an X-ray or MRI is usually reviewed first to confirm the fracture is the source of pain and a good candidate for treatment. You will receive instructions on fasting and on adjusting blood-thinning medications. Most patients are treated at our on-site Burnside Surgery Center in Gresham.
During
You lie face down and the area is numbed; light sedation or anesthesia is typically used for comfort. Working through one or two small skin punctures and guided by live fluoroscopic imaging, the physician inflates the balloon, removes it, and injects the bone cement. The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes per level treated.
After
The cement hardens quickly, and many patients are monitored for a short period before going home the same day. Because sedation may be used, plan to have someone drive you. You will rest briefly and avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for a short time as advised. Recovery and pain relief vary from person to person and by the cause of the fracture; our team in Gresham and Portland will provide tailored aftercare and arrange any follow-up.
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Kyphoplasty FAQs
Is kyphoplasty the same as vertebroplasty?
They are closely related. Both inject bone cement to stabilize a fractured vertebra, but kyphoplasty adds a balloon step first to create a cavity and attempt to restore some vertebral height before the cement is placed. Your physician will recommend the approach best suited to your fracture. Both are offered as part of our interventional procedures.
How long does the procedure take, and will I be admitted overnight?
Most kyphoplasty procedures take roughly 30 to 60 minutes per treated level and are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning most patients return home the same day rather than staying overnight.
Will I still need treatment for osteoporosis?
Yes. Kyphoplasty repairs the fractured bone but does not treat the osteoporosis or other condition that weakened it. Continuing bone-health care helps reduce the risk of future fractures, and we coordinate with your referring provider on next steps.
RELATED CARE
Explore related procedures and services
Kyphoplasty is one of many treatments within our other interventional procedures. If your back pain stems from a different source, your physician may discuss alternatives such as minimally invasive lumbar decompression, diagnostic discography, or regenerative options like platelet-rich plasma therapy.
All services
Browse the full range of interventional pain treatments we offer across Gresham and Portland. View our services
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Have questions?
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