Quick Facts

Possible Symptoms

Back pain, especially with movement
Leg or hip pain above the knee

Typical X-Ray Findings

Compression fracture (MRI, CT, Plain films).

Average Procedure Time

30 minutes per fractured vertebral body

Average Recovery Time

Home the same day
Off work 2-8 weeks, depending on duties

Postperative Limitations

Brace when upright for 8 weeks
No bending, twisting, lifting, or strenuous exercises (8 weeks)
No driving while on narcotics

The Procedure

Kyphoplasty is a recently developed treatment for special thoracic and lumbar compression fractures, which involve only the anterior, or front, column of the vertebra. During the procedure, two stab incisions are made over the fracture, and two large bore needles are tapped into each side of the vertebral body. Balloon-like Inflatable bone tamps are then introduced into the vertebral body and inflated, which creates two cavities within the fractured vertebra and restores its height. The bone tamps are then removed, and methylmethacrylate bone cement is injected to fill the cavities crated within the vertebra.

Kyphoplasty