If painful spinal compression fractures are limiting your mobility, kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty may provide relief. Dr. Seth Grossman, our board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon, carefully evaluates each patient and recommends these minimally invasive procedures only when they are the most appropriate option to restore comfort, stability, and quality of life.
Stabilize Fractured Vertebrae
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to stabilize fractured vertebrae and reduce pain caused by spinal compression fractures. Both procedures involve injecting specialized medical bone cement into the affected vertebra, but kyphoplasty first uses a small balloon to create space and help restore some lost vertebral height. These procedures can improve spinal stability, reduce discomfort, and help you return to daily activities.
What Does Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty Treat?
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty treat painful vertebral compression fractures that weaken the spine, limit mobility, and interfere with daily activities. These procedures stabilize damaged vertebrae and may help relieve pain caused by several underlying conditions. Your spine specialist may recommend these procedures to treat:
- Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
- Compression fractures caused by spinal trauma or injury
- Vertebral fractures related to certain spinal tumors
- Painful vertebral fractures associated with metastatic cancer
- Vertebral collapse that causes persistent back pain
- Fractures that have not improved with conservative treatment
What Happens During Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty?
Before the procedure, Dr. Grossman reviews your imaging studies and confirms the affected vertebrae. After anesthesia is administered, he makes a small incision and uses real-time X-ray guidance to insert a needle into the fractured vertebra. During kyphoplasty, a small balloon is inflated to create space and, when possible, restore some vertebral height before it is removed. Vertebroplasty skips the balloon step.
Once the vertebra is prepared, Dr. Grossman carefully injects medical-grade bone cement into the fractured bone. The cement quickly hardens, stabilizing the vertebra and reducing painful movement. After confirming proper placement with imaging, the instruments are removed, and the small incision is bandaged. You may return home the same day if medically appropriate.
Benefits of Kyphoplasty/Vertebroplasty:
- May provide significant relief from vertebral compression fracture pain
- Stabilizes fractured vertebrae to reduce painful movement
- Minimally invasive procedures performed through small incisions
- Helps restore mobility and improve daily function
- May reduce reliance on pain medications
- Short procedure time with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues
- May allow a quicker recovery than traditional open spine surgery
- May improve spinal alignment and restore vertebral height in appropriate candidates
FAQs
How Soon Can I Return to Normal Activities?
Many patients resume light daily activities within a day or two after the procedure. However, you should avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, and other high-impact activities until your surgeon confirms it is safe. Your recovery timeline will depend on your overall health.
Will the Bone Cement Remain in My Spine Permanently?
Yes. The medical-grade bone cement hardens quickly within the fractured vertebra and remains in place permanently. The bone cement stabilizes the weakened bone to reduce painful movement and provide long-term structural support.
Can Vertebral Compression Fractures Come Back?
The treated vertebra is stabilized by the procedure, but new compression fractures can occur in other vertebrae, particularly if osteoporosis or another underlying condition remains untreated. Your physician may recommend additional therapies to support long-term bone health.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Dr. Seth Grossman is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and New Jersey spine specialist known for his expertise in minimally invasive spine care. He carefully explores all non-surgical options before recommending surgery and develops personalized treatment plans that ensure lasting relief. If you are struggling with a painful vertebral compression fracture, schedule your consultation to learn whether kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty is the right treatment for you.
Take the First Step
Schedule a
Consultation
Dr. Grossman and his team are here to listen. Schedule a consultation and get a clear, personalized plan for your care.
Request Appointment →
