What Is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures — breaks in the bones of the spine (vertebrae) that cause them to collapse.

When a vertebra collapses, it can cause severe back pain, limited mobility, and a hunched posture known as kyphosis. Kyphoplasty helps stabilize the fractured bone, restore some of its height, and relieve pain.

Unlike traditional open surgery, kyphoplasty requires only small needle punctures through the skin. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

Why Might I Need Kyphoplasty?

Your doctor may recommend kyphoplasty if you have:

• A painful vertebral compression fracture caused by osteoporosis (the most common cause)
• Severe back pain that has not improved with conservative treatments such as rest, pain medication, bracing, or physical therapy (often after several weeks)
• A fracture related to cancer (such as multiple myeloma) or trauma
• Difficulty performing daily activities or walking because of the fracture pain

Kyphoplasty is generally considered when the fracture is relatively recent (ideally within the first few months), and imaging confirms that the pain comes from the fractured vertebra.

How Is Kyphoplasty Performed?

The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes per treated vertebra and is done under local anesthesia with moderate sedation, or sometimes general anesthesia. You will lie face-down on the procedure table.

Step-by-step overview:

1. The skin over the affected area is cleaned and numbed.
2. Using real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), the physician inserts a thin hollow needle (trocar) through a small puncture into the fractured vertebra.
3. The physician carefully places a small needle inside the vertebra. This creates a cavity.
4. The doctor injects medical-grade bone cement (usually polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA) into the cavity. The cement hardens within about 15–20 minutes, stabilizing the fracture.
5. The needle is removed. A small bandage is applied — no stitches are typically needed.

If more than one vertebra needs treatment, the process is repeated for each level.

How Do I Prepare?

Your care team will give you specific instructions, which typically include:

• Imaging and tests: You will have X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to confirm the fracture and plan the procedure. Blood tests may also be ordered.
• Medications: Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and allergies. You will likely need to stop blood-thinning medications (such as aspirin, warfarin, or certain others) for a period before the procedure — do this only as directed by your physician.
• Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything for several hours (often after midnight or as instructed) before the procedure.
• Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you home. You will not be allowed to drive yourself after sedation.
• Clothing and valuables: Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave jewelry and valuables at home.

What Should I Do for Aftercare?

Most patients go home the same day after a short observation period (usually 1–3 hours).

Immediate Recovery (First 24 Hours)

• Rest in bed for the first 24 hours except to use the bathroom.
• You may walk a short distance once the care team clears you.
• Apply ice packs (wrapped in a cloth) to the puncture sites for 10–20 minutes at a time to reduce soreness.
• Take pain medication only as prescribed.

Activity Guidelines (Next Several Weeks)

• Gradually return to light daily activities after the first day.
• Avoid heavy lifting (generally more than 5–10 pounds), repetitive bending, and twisting for at least 4–6 weeks, or as directed by your physician.
• Short walks are encouraged and help recovery.
• Do not drive while taking opioid pain medication or until your doctor says it is safe.

Wound Care

• Keep the bandage clean and dry for 24–48 hours (or as instructed).
• You may usually shower after 24–48 hours; avoid baths, swimming, or soaking until the sites are fully healed.
• Mild bruising or soreness at the puncture sites is normal and typically improves within a few days.

What Results Can I Expect?

Many patients experience significant pain relief within hours to 48 hours. Studies report that about 90–95% of carefully selected patients have meaningful improvement in pain and function.

Kyphoplasty can also help prevent further collapse of the treated vertebra and may improve posture by restoring some height. You will still need ongoing management of the underlying cause (such as osteoporosis treatment) to reduce the risk of future fractures.

What Are the Risks?

Kyphoplasty is generally considered safe, with a low complication rate. Possible risks include:

• Infection or bleeding at the puncture site
• Cement leakage outside the vertebra (less common with kyphoplasty than with vertebroplasty because the cement is placed into a created cavity)
• Nerve irritation or, very rarely, more serious neurological symptoms
• Allergic reaction to medications or materials
• New fractures in adjacent vertebrae (more related to underlying osteoporosis than the procedure itself)

Your physician will discuss these risks with you in detail and take steps to minimize them.

When Should I Call My Doctor?

Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you experience:

• Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage from the puncture sites
• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Severe or worsening pain not controlled by medication
• New numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
• Difficulty urinating or loss of bowel/bladder control