Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty

Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty are similar procedures.

Osteoporosis, or loss of bone mass, can occur at any age, but most commonly occurs in individuals 60 years of age or older. When osteoporosis develops in the spine, the resulting bone loss can cause vertebrae to become brittle and more susceptible to spinal compression fractures (SCF). Untreated, SCF can cause unrelenting or severe back and hip pain, and may lead to a “hunch back” posture.

Guided by fluoroscopy (x-ray), the physician inserts a needle into the damaged vertebra and injects specially formulated bone cement.The cement hardens within 15 minutes, providing instant stability and pain relief by sealing the fracture.

• In Vertebroplasty, bone cement is injected into the fractured bone.
• In Kyphoplasty, a balloon is first inserted and inflated to expand the compressed vertebra before filling the space with bone cement.

Vertebroplasty is an innovative procedure that provides immediate pain relief in many cases by stabilizing and reinforcing fractured vertebrae and is safely performed on an outpatient basis. 

The procedure takes about one hour. Afterwards, there is a short period of observed recovery time.Typically, patients resume normal activity within 24 hours.

Vertebroplasty has been delivering excellent outcomes since the early 1990s, achieving dramatic results. Some patients experience immediate pain relief and most report that their pain is gone or significantly better within 48 hours.

Vertebroplasty is a sophisticated technique proven to be successful in relieving SCF pain, strengthening weakened vertebrae, and restoring vertebral height and normal posture.Our board-certified pain specialists can accurately diagnose your pain and determine if this technique is right for you.