Understanding Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty: How They Work and Who They Help

Medicine Made Simple Summary 

If back pain has taken over your daily life and your doctor says you have a spinal compression fracture, you may hear about two minimally invasive treatments—kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty. These procedures use a special medical cement to stabilize the broken vertebra, relieve pain, and, in some cases, restore the shape of your spine. They’re quick, safe, and can help you get back on your feet within days. This article explains how both treatments work, what to expect, who benefits most, and how doctors decide which one is right for you.

1. Why compression fractures happen

Your spine is made of small, block-like bones called vertebrae. These bones carry your body weight and keep you upright. Over time, conditions like osteoporosis (weakening of bones) can cause these vertebrae to become fragile.

When pressure builds—after a small fall, lifting something heavy, or even just coughing hard—a vertebra can collapse or “compress.” That’s called a spinal compression fracture.

This leads to sudden back pain, loss of height, or a hunched posture. While some fractures heal naturally with rest and medication, others cause severe, long-lasting pain. For those cases, vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty may be the answer.

2. What are vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty?

Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are image-guided, minimally invasive procedures performed by an interventional radiologist or spine specialist.

They’re designed to stabilize fractured vertebrae using a special bone cement, which stops the painful movement at the fracture site and allows faster healing.

In vertebroplasty, the cement is directly injected into the cracked vertebra to strengthen it.
In kyphoplasty, a tiny balloon is first inserted and inflated to restore the bone’s height before the cement is added.

Both procedures usually take less than an hour and can provide rapid relief—often within 24 to 48 hours.

3. Who can benefit from these procedures

These treatments aren’t for everyone, but they’re ideal for people who:

• Have severe back pain caused by a compression fracture confirmed by imaging (X-ray, CT, or MRI).

• Have not improved after several weeks of pain medication and rest.

• Have osteoporotic fractures, cancer-related fractures, or trauma-related fractures.

• Struggle with daily activities or mobility due to back pain.

Your doctor will assess how old the fracture is—fresh fractures (less than three months old) respond best to these procedures.

4. The difference between vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty

The main difference lies in the use of a balloon and the goal of restoring spinal height.

Vertebroplasty:
A thin needle is inserted into the fractured bone under imaging guidance. Liquid cement is injected, filling the cracks and hardening within minutes. This strengthens the vertebra and relieves pain almost immediately.

Kyphoplasty:
Before cement is injected, a tiny balloon is inflated inside the collapsed vertebra. This gently lifts the bone, creating space and helping restore its height. Once the cavity is formed, cement is injected to hold the bone in place.

Kyphoplasty is preferred when there’s visible collapse or spinal deformity, while vertebroplasty works well for stable fractures that mainly need pain relief.

5. What happens during the procedure

These are outpatient procedures, meaning you can usually go home the same day.

You’ll be awake but relaxed under mild sedation or light anaesthesia. The doctor cleans and numbs a small area on your back. Using X-ray or CT imaging, they guide a thin needle into the fractured bone.

• In vertebroplasty, the cement is injected directly into the bone.

• In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is inserted and inflated first, then the cement is added.

The cement hardens within minutes, stabilizing the fracture. The whole process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per vertebra.

Afterward, you’ll rest for a few hours while the team monitors you. Many patients walk the same day, often with less pain than before.

6. What recovery looks like

Most people notice dramatic pain relief within the first two days. You may feel mild soreness at the insertion site, which fades quickly.

You can usually return to light activity within a day or two and resume normal life in about a week. Avoid lifting heavy objects for at least a week to give your spine time to adjust.

Your doctor might recommend physical therapy or exercises to strengthen your back muscles. These help improve posture, balance, and bone strength.

Follow-up imaging—usually an X-ray or MRI—is done later to confirm the bone has stabilized and that no new fractures have developed.

7. Benefits of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty

These procedures are popular because they combine quick recovery with long-lasting relief.

The main benefits include:

• Rapid pain relief—most feel better within 24–48 hours.

• Stabilization of the spine, reducing risk of further collapse.

• Improved mobility and independence—patients can walk, stand, and sit longer without pain.

• Short procedure and recovery time—usually home the same day.

• Reduced dependence on pain medication.

• Restoration of height and posture (especially with kyphoplasty).

Patients often describe the experience as “life-changing,” particularly if they’d been living with constant back pain.

8. Possible risks and how doctors prevent them

While generally very safe, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty do have small risks. These include:

• Cement leakage from the vertebra (usually minor and symptom-free).

• Infection at the needle site (rare, as sterile techniques are used).

• Bleeding or minor bruising.

• New fractures in nearby bones if osteoporosis isn’t managed.

Your doctor minimizes these risks by using advanced imaging guidance and performing the procedure in a controlled, sterile environment.

Afterward, treating the underlying bone weakness with medication, calcium, vitamin D, and lifestyle changes is key to preventing new fractures.

9. Who performs these procedures

Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are performed by interventional radiologists—doctors trained in using imaging to guide precise, minimally invasive treatments.

They work closely with orthopaedic surgeons and neurologists to ensure you receive the right procedure for your type of fracture and overall health.

This teamwork ensures that the fracture is stabilized safely and that your bone health is addressed to prevent future injuries.

10. What happens if you do nothing

Some patients hesitate or choose to live with the pain, hoping it will go away. While small fractures can heal on their own, untreated compression fractures can lead to:

• Chronic back pain

• Reduced mobility and strength

• Stooped posture (kyphosis)

• Breathing or digestion issues due to spinal curvature

If pain limits your movement or affects your independence, talk to your doctor about whether vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty could help.

11. Life after treatment

Most people return to normal activities quickly. Maintaining bone health becomes the long-term goal.

Your doctor may recommend:

• Bone-strengthening medications such as bisphosphonates.

• Calcium and vitamin D supplements.

• Weight-bearing exercises like walking or gentle resistance training.

• Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol.

These steps strengthen your bones and lower your risk of future fractures.

12. When to call your doctor

After your procedure, contact your care team if you notice:

• Worsening back pain

• Redness or swelling at the procedure site

• Fever or chills

• Numbness or weakness in your legs

These are uncommon but should always be checked promptly.

Conclusion 

Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty have transformed how doctors treat spinal compression fractures. They offer quick, effective pain relief, restore mobility, and help people regain control of their daily lives—without open surgery.

If you or a loved one is struggling with persistent back pain from a fracture, don’t assume you have to live with it. Ask your doctor or an interventional radiologist if one of these procedures is right for you. The right treatment can give you back your comfort, confidence, and independence faster than you might think.