Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty

Ideal Candidates for Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty

These procedures are most effective for patients who have:

• Painful vertebral compression fractures that haven’t responded to conservative treatments like rest, pain medication or bracing
• Fractures caused by osteoporosis, the most common underlying cause
• Fractures resulting from cancer that has spread to the spine (metastatic disease) or multiple myeloma
• Recent fractures (typically within the past few months), though older fractures may also respond to treatment
• Pain that worsens with standing or movement and improves when lying down
• Imaging (MRI or bone scan) that confirms the fracture is the source of pain

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty aren’t appropriate for everyone. Patients with fractures that have fully healed, active spinal infections, bleeding disorders or certain types of spinal instability may need alternative treatments. Our team will review your imaging and medical history to determine whether you’re a good candidate for these procedures.

What to Expect During Treatment

You’ll arrive at one of our Orange County locations and be prepped for the procedure in a comfortable outpatient setting. After receiving local anesthesia to numb the treatment area and mild sedation to help you relax, you’ll lie face down while the procedure is performed. Most patients feel only mild pressure during needle insertion with no significant pain.

Using continuous, real-time imaging guidance, your interventional radiologist will guide a hollow needle through a small puncture in the back and position it precisely within the fractured vertebra and inject the cement. For kyphoplasty, a balloon is first inserted and gently inflated to lift the collapsed bone. The cement hardens within minutes, stabilizing the fracture. If multiple vertebrae need treatment, each is addressed during the same session.

The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per vertebra treated. Because no incisions or stitches are required, there is significantly less downtime compared to traditional spinal surgeries. After the procedure, you’ll rest briefly in a recovery area before being discharged.

Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Recovery

One of the greatest advantages of these procedures is how quickly patients recover. Many people notice significant pain relief within 24 to 48 hours, some even sooner. You may experience mild soreness at the needle entry site for a day or two, but this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

Most patients return to light activities within a day and resume their normal routine within a week, though you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise during this time. No physical therapy or rehabilitation is required. Research shows that 75% of patients regain lost mobility after treatment, allowing them to return to activities they may have avoided due to pain.

Follow-up imaging or appointments may be scheduled to monitor your progress, and if osteoporosis contributed to your fracture, your care team may recommend bone-strengthening treatments to reduce the risk of future fractures.