What Is Kyphoplasty and How Does It Work? A Guide for Tampa Bay Patients

Key Takeaways

• Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small balloon and bone cement to stabilize a broken, collapsed bone in the spine.
• It treats vertebral compression fractures, which are most often caused by osteoporosis (weak, thinning bones).
• The procedure usually takes less than an hour for one section of the spine, and most patients go home the same day.
• Many people notice pain relief within about 48 hours, though not every compression fracture needs a procedure.
• The Center for Bone & Joint Disease offers kyphoplasty and bone health care for patients across the Tampa Bay area from offices in Hudson, Brooksville, and Lutz, and you can request an appointment online to find out if kyphoplasty is right for you.

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What Causes a Vertebral Compression Fracture?

Your spine is made of stacked bones called vertebrae. A vertebral compression fracture happens when too much pressure is placed on a weak vertebra. The front of the bone cracks and loses height, giving it a wedge shape.

These fractures are very common. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guide to osteoporosis and spinal fractures, they happen about 1.5 million times every year in the U.S. They are almost twice as common as hip and wrist fractures linked to osteoporosis.

Common causes include:

• Osteoporosis. This is the most common cause. A compression fracture is often the first sign that someone has weak bones.
• Falls. Many fractures happen after a fall.
• Everyday movements. In people with osteoporosis, reaching, twisting, coughing, or sneezing can be enough to break a vertebra.
• Spinal tumors or trauma. Less often, a fracture is caused by a tumor or a serious injury, like a car accident.

Signs of a Thoracic Compression Fracture

Compression fractures are the most common injury to the thoracic spine (the middle section of your back), especially its lower portion, according to Cleveland Clinic's overview of the thoracic spine. Signs may include:

• Back pain at the spot where the bone broke.
• Pain that gets worse when you move or change positions and eases when you lie down.
• Pain that flares when you cough or sneeze.
• Loss of height or a more rounded, hunched upper back over time.
• Pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs if the fracture presses on nerves.

Compression Fracture Treatment: Do You Need a Procedure?

Not always. AAOS notes that most people with a spinal compression fracture feel better within three months without surgery. Rest, a small amount of pain medicine, and sometimes a back brace are often enough.

Kyphoplasty may be an option when pain is severe and does not improve. AAOS states that vertebral augmentation procedures like kyphoplasty work best for people with severe pain from a recent fracture.

You may be a candidate if:

• Imaging confirms a compression fracture.
• Your back pain is painful and getting worse.
• The fracture is making it hard to move or do daily tasks.
• Your pain comes from the fracture itself, not another problem like a herniated disc, arthritis, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

At The Center for Bone & Joint Disease, care always starts conservatively. The practice's neck and back pain specialists recommend kyphoplasty for patients with osteoporosis or trauma-related fractures when it is the right fit.

How the Kyphoplasty Procedure Works, Step by Step

Cleveland Clinic's kyphoplasty overview describes the process in a few clear steps.

Before the Procedure

At a visit before your kyphoplasty, your provider may do a physical exam, order imaging such as an X-ray, CT (computed tomography) scan, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), review your medications, and order blood tests. You may be asked to:

• Stop certain medications, like blood thinners, but only if your provider approves it.
• Avoid eating or drinking for up to three hours before the procedure.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave jewelry at home.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home.

Step 1: Sedation and Positioning

You will receive moderate sedation or anesthesia, so you will not feel strong, sharp pain. You will lie on your stomach for the procedure.

Step 2: Guiding the Needle

Your surgeon inserts a hollow needle through your skin and into the broken vertebra. A type of live X-ray called fluoroscopy guides the needle into the right spot.

Step 3: Inflating the Balloon

A small balloon-like device is placed through the needle and gently inflated. This helps restore some of the bone's lost height and creates a space inside it.

Step 4: Filling the Space With Bone Cement

The balloon is removed, and the space is filled with bone cement. The cement hardens and keeps the bone from collapsing further.

Step 5: Heading Home

Kyphoplasty takes less than an hour for one section of the spine. It is an outpatient procedure, so you will go home the same day.

Kyphoplasty vs. Vertebroplasty vs. Nonsurgical Care

Kyphoplasty is one of two vertebral augmentation procedures. Here is how it compares to the other options.

How Kyphoplasty Differs From Open Spine Surgery

AAOS explains that surgery for spinal fractures used to be very invasive. Kyphoplasty is different:

• No large incision. Cleveland Clinic notes that the surgeon makes a small puncture through the skin instead of a cut.
• Short procedure. It usually takes less than an hour for one section of the spine.
• Same-day discharge. Patients go home the same day.

This is why kyphoplasty is considered minimally invasive spine surgery. The Center for Bone & Joint Disease offers a range of orthopedic surgery options, including minimally invasive procedures, when conservative care is not enough.

Kyphoplasty Recovery Time: What to Expect

Recovery from kyphoplasty is usually quick. Based on Cleveland Clinic's guidance:

• Pain relief: Many people feel better within 48 hours, and some feel relief right away. An estimated 92% of people report better pain relief after the procedure.
• Soreness: Soreness from the procedure itself should fade within two to three days. Ice can help.
• Bandage care: Keep the bandage on for two days, and take showers instead of baths while you heal.
• Daily activities: Most people can return to their daily routine once the anesthesia wears off.
• Strenuous activity: Avoid hard efforts, like heavy lifting, for several weeks and until your bone health improves.

Call your provider right away if you notice signs of infection (swelling, skin color changes, or fever), heavy bleeding, numbness or tingling, or worsening pain.

Protecting Your Bones After Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty repairs one fractured bone. It does not treat the osteoporosis that may have caused it. AAOS reports that more than 30% of people with a spinal fracture will have another fracture within one year.

That is why follow-up bone care matters. The Center for Bone & Joint Disease's Bone Health Clinic and post-fracture prevention program offer bone density (DXA, or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scans, fall prevention guidance, and personalized treatment plans to help prevent future fractures.

Questions to Ask Before Considering Kyphoplasty

Bring these questions to your appointment:

• Is my pain coming from the fracture, or could something else be causing it?
• How recent is my fracture, and does that affect my options?
• Do I have osteoporosis, and how will we treat it?
• Is kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty a better fit for my fracture?
• What are the risks for me? Cleveland Clinic notes that complications are rare but can include infection, bleeding, nerve problems, more fractures, or cement moving out of place.
• When can I return to activities like lifting, yard work, or exercise?

Stabilize a Painful Compression Fracture With Kyphoplasty Close to Home

Kyphoplasty is a quick, minimally invasive way to stabilize a painful compression fracture, and many patients feel better within days. The Center for Bone & Joint Disease can confirm whether it fits your needs and help protect your bones afterward.

Request an appointment online with The Center for Bone & Joint Disease to discuss kyphoplasty and compression fracture care for neck and back pain at the Hudson, Brooksville, or Lutz office.

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