Kyphoplasty

Conditions Treated with Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is commonly used to treat vertebral compression fractures caused by:

• Osteoporosis
• Traumatic spinal fractures
• Spinal tumors
• Cancer-related bone weakening
• Degenerative spinal collapse
• Painful vertebral fractures not responding to conservative care

These fractures can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and spinal deformity if untreated.

Symptoms Treated with Kyphoplasty

Patients who may benefit from kyphoplasty often experience:

• Sudden or severe back pain
• Pain that worsens with standing or walking
• Limited mobility
• Loss of height
• Spinal deformity or stooped posture
• Pain not improving with rest or medication
• Difficulty performing daily activities

Compression fractures can significantly impact mobility and quality of life.

How Kyphoplasty Is Diagnosed

Before recommending kyphoplasty, your spine specialist will perform a comprehensive evaluation. Diagnostic testing may include:

• Physical examination
• X-rays to identify compression fractures
• MRI to confirm acute fractures
• CT scan for detailed bone imaging
• Bone density testing when osteoporosis is suspected

These studies help confirm fracture location and determine candidacy for the procedure.

Kyphoplasty Treatment

Non-Surgical Treatment

Initial treatment for compression fractures may include:

• Rest and activity modification
• Pain medication
• Bracing
• Physical therapy
• Osteoporosis management
• Anti-inflammatory medications

If pain persists or mobility is significantly limited, kyphoplasty may be recommended.

Surgical Treatment

During kyphoplasty:

• A small incision is made in the back
• A narrow tube is inserted into the fractured vertebra
• A balloon is inflated to restore vertebral height
• The balloon is removed
• Bone cement is injected into the space
• The cement hardens to stabilize the bone

This minimally invasive approach helps relieve pain and restore spinal stability.

Recovery After Kyphoplasty

Recovery is typically quick compared to traditional spine surgery. Many patients experience pain relief within days and can return to light activities shortly after the procedure. Most patients resume normal activities within a few weeks, depending on overall health and fracture severity.

Your physician may recommend activity restrictions and follow-up care to support healing.

When to See an Orthopedic Specialist

You should seek evaluation if you experience:

• Sudden back pain after minor injury
• Persistent back pain
• Pain with standing or walking
• Loss of height
• Stooped posture
• Limited mobility

Early treatment helps prevent worsening spinal deformity and chronic pain.

Why Choose TMI Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery

TMI provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for vertebral compression fractures, including conservative care and minimally invasive procedures such as kyphoplasty. Our spine specialists focus on relieving pain, stabilizing the spine, and helping patients return to normal activity safely.