What Is Kyphoplasty?

• In simple terms: A balloon is placed inside the broken bone, inflated to restore height, and then filled with cement to keep it stable.
  
  

• Scientifically: Kyphoplasty involves percutaneous transpedicular cannulation, balloon tamp inflation to restore vertebral body height and create a cavity, followed by injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement under fluoroscopy for long-term stability.
  
  

Conditions Treated

• Vertebral compression fractures from osteoporosis
  
  

• Painful fractures not improving with rest, bracing, or medications
  
  

• Certain traumatic fractures with vertebral collapse
  
  

• Tumor-related vertebral collapse (select cases)
  
  

• Spinal deformity from collapsed vertebrae
  
  

The Kyphoplasty Procedure: Step by Step

Plain-English Overview

1. Anesthesia: Sedation or general anesthesia used.
   
   

2. Needle placement: Small incision; needle guided into fractured vertebra under X-ray.
   
   

3. Balloon inflation: Balloon expanded to restore vertebral height and create a cavity.
   
   

4. Cement injection: Bone cement fills the cavity, stabilizing the vertebra.
   
   

5. Closure: Needle removed; bandage applied; no stitches needed.
   
   

6. Recovery: Most patients walk within hours and go home the same day.
   
   

Surgeon-Level Detail

• Approach: Percutaneous pedicle access under biplanar fluoroscopy.
  
  

• Balloon inflation: Balloon tamp inserted, inflated under manometric control to restore height and correct kyphosis.
  
  

• Cement injection: Low-viscosity PMMA injected into cavity under fluoroscopic monitoring; avoid leakage beyond vertebral margins.
  
  

• Closure: Balloon removed; cement hardened in situ; puncture site bandaged.
  
  

Benefits of Kyphoplasty

• Rapid pain relief (often within 24–48 hours)
  
  

• Restores vertebral body height and spinal alignment
  
  

• Outpatient or short-stay procedure
  
  

• Minimally invasive with small incision
  
  

• Improves posture, mobility, and quality of life
  
  

Risks & Limitations

• Cement leakage (less risk than vertebroplasty due to balloon cavity)
  
  

• Infection, bleeding, or nerve injury (rare)
  
  

• Adjacent level fractures possible if osteoporosis not managed
  
  

• Less effective for chronic, healed fractures
  
  

Recovery Timeline

• Day 0: Walk within hours; discharged same or next day
  
  

• Weeks 1–2: Pain relief continues; resume light activities
  
  

• Weeks 2–6: Return to most daily activities; start bone-strengthening therapy
  
  

• 6–12 weeks: Continue physical therapy for posture and core strength
  
  

• 3–6 months: Most patients achieve stable, pain-free mobility
  
  

Why Choose Desert Spine and Pain?

• Expert neurosurgeon: Dr. Greenwald is highly experienced in advanced vertebral augmentation techniques
  
  

• Rapid results: Many patients experience significant pain relief within 1–2 days
  
  

• Comprehensive care: We treat not only the fracture but also the underlying osteoporosis to prevent future issues
  
  

• Compassionate approach: Clear explanations and reassurance help patients feel comfortable and supported
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How is kyphoplasty different from vertebroplasty?

Kyphoplasty restores vertebral height with a balloon before cement injection, while vertebroplasty only injects cement.

How soon will I feel better?

Most patients notice pain relief within 24–48 hours.

Will kyphoplasty limit my mobility?

No. Cement stabilizes the bone but doesn’t restrict motion. Most patients feel more mobile after the procedure.

Is kyphoplasty permanent?

Yes. Cement remains in the bone permanently, providing lasting stability.

How does Desert Spine and Pain perform kyphoplasty differently?

We use neurosurgical precision, real-time imaging, and minimally invasive techniques to ensure safety and excellent outcomes.