Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive vertebral augmentation procedure used for selected painful vertebral compression fractures.
Through a small percutaneous approach, a working channel is placed into the fractured vertebral body. A balloon or other vertebral augmentation device may be used to create a cavity or restore some vertebral height, followed by injection of bone cement to stabilize the fracture.
Candidacy depends on the diagnosis, prior treatment, examination, imaging when appropriate, medical history, and the expected risk-benefit profile.
Painful vertebral compression fracture that correlates with the patient's symptoms
Fracture related to osteoporosis or other appropriate pathology
Persistent significant pain despite appropriate initial management or circumstances favoring earlier stabilization
Imaging confirming the symptomatic vertebral level
Confirm the symptomatic fracture clinically and on imaging
Percutaneous image-guided access to the vertebral body
Vertebral augmentation and cement placement
Post-procedure mobilization and treatment of underlying bone health when applicable
Potential risks include cement leakage, bleeding, infection, nerve or spinal cord injury, pulmonary embolic complications, allergic reaction, adjacent fracture, persistent pain, and anesthesia-related complications.
Results vary, and no procedure can guarantee pain relief or functional improvement.