How Is Kyphoplasty Different from Other Spinal Procedures?

Kyphoplasty treats spinal fractures, but many people group it with general spinal procedures. Designed for painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), especially those caused by weakened bones (i.e., osteoporosis), VCFs can make everyday movements feel impossible. 

At Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio in San Antonio and Live Oak, Texas, Sergio Alvarado, MD, and our expert team understand how chronic back pain can interrupt your life. 

We also know it can be confusing to sort through treatment options and determine which may be the best one for you. We specialize in helping patients with VCFs get lasting relief — often, kyphoplasty is the treatment solution that delivers the best outcome.    

What is kyphoplasty? 

We recommend kyphoplasty to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Osteoporosis, spinal injuries, or bone weakness related to cancer can cause VCFs. 

Most spinal procedures focus on discs or nerves. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that focuses on repairing the fractured vertebrae itself. Here’s how it works: 

• We make a small incision and guide a thin tube into your back using imaging
• We insert a tiny balloon into the collapsed bone and gently inflate it
• This balloon helps create space inside your vertebrae
• Then, we remove the balloon and fill the area with medical-grade bone cement 
• The cement hardens within minutes, stabilizing the fracture immediately

Many patients experience rapid pain relief and increased mobility within a few days of their kyphoplasty procedure. 

What makes kyphoplasty unique 

Kyphoplasty is minimally invasive, which means there’s little downtime. Many patients can resume light activities within 24-48 hours. We usually only use light sedation, rather than full anesthesia, to complete the surgery. It’s also typically done on an outpatient basis. 

Kyphoplasty repairs a bone fracture

Spine procedures like discectomy or laminectomy focus on removing tissue that’s pressing on nerves. Kyphoplasty focuses on stabilizing fractured vertebra. This approach helps it address pain from the fracture, rather than nerve compression. 

It effectively restores bone height

Unique to kyphoplasty, the balloon technique helps restore lost vertebral height. By restoring bone height, your spinal alignment improves — and your posture does, too. 

Vertebroplasty is the closest spinal procedure that stabilizes the bone but does not restore height. Instead, doctors inject cement into the collapsed vertebra, but don’t use the balloon technique to restore your spinal alignment.

It only treats compression fractures  

Kyphoplasty is for acute, painful vertebral fractures. We confirm the VCFs using diagnostic X-ray imaging. Other spinal treatments focus on general back pain or nerve compression. Kyphoplasty is not used to treat: 

• Sciatica 
• Herniated discs 
• Spinal stenosis 
• Muscle strain 
• Arthritis pain 

Each of these conditions requires different procedures, some of which are more invasive.  Kyphoplasty addresses acute, painful compression fractures in the spine, as confirmed by X-ray imaging.

It prevents future spinal collapse 

The cement hardens quickly, providing support for the vertebrae. With support, your backbone is stronger and can resist further collapse. Conservative care techniques, like rest, bracing, and medications, can’t always prevent further vertebral collapse. 

Kyphoplasty offers faster pain relief 

Most patients experience a noticeable improvement within days of having kyphoplasty. By stabilizing the fracture, we alleviate your back pain at its source. 

Is kyphoplasty right for you?

If you experience sudden, debilitating back pain — especially if you have a history of bone-weakening conditions like osteoporosis — you could be suffering from a vertebral compression fracture. 

At Spine & Pain Center of San Antonio in Live Oak and San Antonio, Texas, we begin with a thorough evaluation and offer effective options for relieving your back pain. Schedule your appointment online or over the phone today.