Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty

Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive (incisionless) procedures used to treat painful compression fractures of the thoracic spine (mid- and upper back) or lumbar spine (low back) caused by osteoporosis, cancerous tumors or trauma.

With both procedures, a spine specialist uses a needle to inject bone cement into the fractured vertebrae to stabilize the fracture and reduce pain.

Kyphoplasty (also called balloon kyphoplasty) involves an additional step, in which the surgeon inserts a special balloon into the fractured vertebrae. The surgeon then inflates the balloon to restore the height of the vertebrae before injecting the cement.

Is Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty Right for Me?

These are some reasons your doctor may recommend kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty for you:

• You have compression fractures of the spine.
• You have experienced severe, disabling pain for more than two months.
• Your pain doesn't go away with conservative treatments (rest, pain medications and physical therapy)

Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty at Rush

Spine specialists at Rush perform kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in either a hospital or outpatient setting. Your doctor will recommend the best option for you based on the following:

• The location and severity of your fractures
• Your age
• Your overall health

Since these procedures are minimally invasive, you will likely able to go home the same day as surgery and ease back into normal activities within 24 hours of the procedure. Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty have proven to be highly effective at relieving pain and should also help you move around better.

Rush Excellence in Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty

• Prompt evaluation: Back or neck pain can have a profound effect on your quality of life, and we want to help you get relief as soon as possible. That's why you can see a member of our spine team for an initial consultation or second opinion within one to two weeks — and within a few days for more urgent issues like a spinal tumor.
• Helping you understand what to expect: Although kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty don't require incisions, there are still risks, as with any procedure. Our team will take the time to educate you about your procedure and explain any potential risks, so you can feel confident in your treatment.
• Advanced spinal tumor care: If your fracture was caused by a spinal tumor, the Rush spinal tumor team has the expertise to remove the tumor, relieve your pain and restore your ability to move and get around. Your care will be informed by the latest research and will include the newest technology to minimize the impact of tumor removal surgery. This includes the use of kyphoplasty and other incisionless procedures like radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and cryoablation, as well open surgery using minimally invasive techniques.
• Nationally ranked programs: U.S. News & World Report ranked Rush University Medical Center among the nation's best for neurology and neurosurgery and for orthopedics.