Back Pain
Kyphoplasty
Restoring Height and Stability to Fractured Vertebrae
When a spinal vertebra collapses due to osteoporosis, trauma, or tumor, it can cause sudden, severe back pain, deformity, and reduced mobility. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgery that restores vertebral height and stabilizes the fracture using a balloon and bone cement. At Desert Spine and Pain, neurosurgeon Dr. David L. Greenwald, M.D., FAANS, FACS performs kyphoplasty with precision, offering patients rapid pain relief and restored confidence in movement.
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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
Anesthesia: Sedation or general anesthesia used.
Needle placement: Small incision; needle guided into fractured vertebra under X-ray.
Balloon inflation: Balloon expanded to restore vertebral height and create a cavity.
Cement injection: Bone cement fills the cavity, stabilizing the vertebra.
Closure: Needle removed; bandage applied; no stitches needed.
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.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD
Neuro-Spine Surgeon
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If you’re experiencing back pain from a compression fracture, kyphoplasty may offer immediate and lasting relief. Dr. Greenwald and his experienced team will evaluate your condition, explain the procedure, and determine if you’re a good candidate for this minimally invasive treatment. Every step you take toward spinal healing brings you closer to comfort and improved mobility. Schedule your consultation today and let Dr. Greenwald help you regain your strength, stability, and quality of life through expert spine care.
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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.
Dr. David L. Greenwald, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Neurosurgeon | Spine Surgeon | Regenerative Medicine
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FACS, is a board-certified spine surgeon specializing in kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat painful vertebral compression fractures often caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or spinal tumors. During kyphoplasty, Dr. Greenwald uses advanced imaging to guide a small balloon into the collapsed vertebra, gently restoring its height before stabilizing it with medical-grade bone cement. This procedure can provide rapid pain relief, improve posture, and help patients regain mobility within days. With his precision and compassionate approach, Dr. Greenwald has helped patients throughout South Florida recover quickly and safely from spinal fractures while restoring strength and stability to their spine.
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