Kyphoplasty – A Minimally Invasive Surgery for Spinal Fractures

What is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spine procedure used to treat spinal compression fractures, often caused by:

1. Osteoporosis (weakened bones)
2. Accidents or falls
3. Spinal tumors

In this condition, a bone in your spine gets compressed or collapses, which causes pain, posture changes (hunched back), and difficulty moving.

Kyphoplasty restores the height of the fractured bone and relieves pain quickly using a special bone cement.

Why or When is Kyphoplasty Suggested?

Doctors usually recommend kyphoplasty if:

1. You have persistent back pain after a spinal fracture
2. Your spinal X-ray or MRI shows vertebral compression
3. You have difficulty walking, standing, or doing daily tasks
4. You haven’t improved with rest, medications, or braces
5. You’ve recently had a fracture (ideally within 12 weeks) — as this gives the best results

It's especially useful for elderly patients with osteoporosis who suffer sudden back pain without injury.

How is Kyphoplasty Done?

Kyphoplasty is done under local or general anesthesia and takes about 1 hour per vertebra.

Here’s how the procedure works:

1. The surgeon makes a small incision in your back.
2. A thin needle (called a trocar) is inserted into the fractured bone using fluoroscopy (live X-ray).
3. A tiny balloon is inserted through the needle and gently inflated to lift the bone and create space.
4. Once the space is made, bone cement is injected to stabilize the vertebra.
5. The cement hardens quickly, relieving pain and restoring height.

No stitches needed, and very little blood loss.

What Happens After Surgery?

One of the best things about kyphoplasty is the quick recovery.

Here’s what to expect:

1. You'll spend a few hours in recovery
2. Many patients go home the same day
3. You can walk the same day or next day, with help
4. You may feel mild soreness at the site, but most pain improves within 1–2 days

Post-Surgery Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

1. Walk gently with support the next day
2. Take medications as prescribed
3. Do light activities and rest
4. Eat calcium and vitamin D-rich food
5. Follow up with your spine specialist

Don’t:

1. Lift heavy objects (for 4–6 weeks)
2. Bend or twist suddenly
3. Skip your doctor appointments
4. Ignore any new pain

Benefits of Kyphoplasty

1. Quick pain relief (many feel better immediately)
2. Restores spinal height and reduces hump
3. Minimally invasive – no big cuts
4. Short hospital stay
5. Faster return to normal life