Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spine procedure that stabilizes a vertebral compression fracture and reduces pain by restoring lost vertebral height.
What Is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty treats painful compression fractures by inserting a balloon into the fractured vertebra, creating space, and filling it with bone cement to stabilize the spine. The procedure is most effective when performed within 2 months of the fracture.
Patients with osteoporosis, traumatic injury, metastatic bone disease, or weakened vertebrae often benefit from this targeted Neurosurgical Treatment.
Symptoms & Causes of Vertebral Compression Fractures
Symptoms:
- Sudden or worsening back pain
- Pain that increases with standing, coughing, or bending
- Height loss or stooped posture
- Limited movement or reduced mobility
Common Causes:
- Osteoporosis (most common cause)
- Traumatic injury from falls or accidents
- Spinal tumors or metastatic lesions
- Infection-related vertebral weakening
Compression fractures appear clearly on Diagnostics & Imaging such as X-ray, CT, or MRI.
Diagnosis Before Kyphoplasty
Your MSBI surgeon confirms a compression fracture using imaging and evaluates whether the fracture is new, unstable, or causing nerve irritation. Determining fracture age and severity guides the safest treatment plan.
How Kyphoplasty Works
Kyphoplasty stabilizes the fractured vertebra and restores structure.
Procedure Steps:
- A small needle is guided into the fractured vertebra.
- A balloon is inserted and gently inflated to create a cavity.
- Medical-grade bone cement is injected to stabilize the bone.
- The balloon is removed, leaving the vertebra reinforced.
Most procedures take 30–60 minutes per level and are performed on an outpatient basis.
Recovery, Activity, and Expected Outcomes
Most patients walk within an hour and return home the same day unless multiple vertebrae are treated or medical conditions require monitoring. You may resume light activity quickly; your surgeon will recommend specific restrictions, supplements, or medications to support bone health.
Outcomes:
- Reduced back pain
- Improved mobility
- Lower risk of additional collapse at the treated level
- Faster return to daily activities with supportive care
MSBI provides ongoing follow-up and Pain Management Services to support healing.
Minnesota & Wisconsin Kyphoplasty Spine Specialists
Midwest Spine & Brain Institute offers advanced kyphoplasty for patients across the Twin Cities, Greater Minnesota, and western Wisconsin. Our board-certified spine surgeons personalize every treatment plan and explain risks, benefits, and expected outcomes clearly.
Call 1-800-353-7720 or request an appointment online to discuss whether kyphoplasty is right for you.
FAQs
What does kyphoplasty treat?
Kyphoplasty treats painful vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or tumors.
How quickly does kyphoplasty relieve pain?
Many patients experience pain relief within hours, though individual outcomes vary based on fracture severity and bone health.
Is kyphoplasty better than vertebroplasty?
Kyphoplasty often restores some vertebral height and reduces deformity, while vertebroplasty focuses only on stabilizing the fracture.
How long is recovery after kyphoplasty?
Most people resume light activity the same day and return to normal routines within several days, depending on the number of levels treated.
Who should avoid kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty may not be recommended for chronic, fully healed fractures or active spinal infections.
Is kyphoplasty covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover kyphoplasty when medically necessary and confirmed by imaging.