Minimally Invasive Spine

Vertebral Augmentation (Kyphoplasty / Vertebroplasty)

Bone cement stabilization of a painful vertebral compression fracture, with kyphoplasty also restoring lost vertebral height.

Minimally

Category

Outpatient

Procedure

Non-Opioid

Approach

Image-Guided

Precision

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Procedure Overview

Vertebral compression fractures, most often caused by osteoporosis, a fall, or cancer affecting the spine, can produce sudden, severe back pain that makes it difficult to stand, walk, or sleep. The pain is coming from an unstable fracture. Stabilizing that fracture directly is often the fastest path back to function.

Clinical Data

Published studies report 80 to 90% of patients achieve significant pain relief following vertebral augmentation, with pain relief often occurring within hours to days. Kyphoplasty restores vertebral height in 70 to 90% of cases. (Source to be confirmed by SCOPES Health clinical team.)

Treatment Purpose

Vertebral augmentation stabilizes a painful compression fracture using medical-grade bone cement. In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is first inflated inside the fractured vertebra to create a cavity and partially restore vertebral height before cement is injected. In vertebroplasty, cement is injected directly into the fracture. Both procedures stabilize the fracture and relieve the pain it is causing.

Appropriate Conditions

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures
Pathological fractures from cancer metastasis
Painful vertebral fractures unresponsive to conservative management

Patient Considerations

Vertebral augmentation is specifically designed for this situation. The procedure is performed under fluoroscopic guidance with local anesthesia and mild sedation, no general anesthesia required. It takes 30 to 60 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Many patients experience significant relief within hours to days as the cement stabilizes the fracture.

Treatment Process

The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes under fluoroscopic guidance with local anesthesia and mild sedation. In kyphoplasty, a balloon is inflated inside the fractured vertebra to create a cavity and restore height before bone cement is injected. In vertebroplasty, cement is injected directly. The cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the fracture. You go home the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which procedure is right for me, kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty?

Kyphoplasty is preferred when height restoration is a goal and generally allows lower-pressure cement injection. Your physician will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your imaging.

How quickly will I feel relief?

Many patients experience significant pain relief within hours to days as the cement stabilizes the fracture.

What are the risks?

Risks include cement leakage (usually asymptomatic), infection, or new fractures at adjacent levels.

Need Guidance?

Talk With a SCOPES Specialist

Every care plan is based on your diagnosis, your symptoms, and your goals.

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