Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize vertebral compression fractures, restore spinal alignment, and alleviate pain caused by collapsed or weakened vertebrae. At Comprehensive Spine and Pain, our team of four double board-certified pain management physicians performs kyphoplasty in our state-of-the-art in-office procedure rooms, offering patients a comfortable, cost-effective alternative to hospital-based care.
While kyphoplasty can be an effective solution for many people, not everyone with back pain is an ideal candidate. The best results occur when the procedure is matched to the right patient profile. Below are the primary characteristics of individuals who may benefit most.
Patients With Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures
The most common candidates for kyphoplasty are individuals with vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them prone to collapsing under normal activities. When a vertebra fractures, it can cause sudden, sharp back pain that worsens with movement. Kyphoplasty can stabilize the fracture, restore height to the vertebra, and reduce pain in these cases.
Those With Fractures From Trauma or Cancer
In addition to osteoporosis, vertebral fractures can result from traumatic injuries such as falls, accidents, or high-impact sports. Certain cancers—particularly those that metastasize to the bone, like breast, lung, or prostate cancer—can weaken vertebrae, leading to fractures. Patients with these conditions may also be good candidates if imaging confirms the fracture is suitable for the procedure.
Individuals With Persistent Pain Despite Conservative Care
Kyphoplasty is typically considered after nonsurgical treatments such as rest, bracing, pain medications, and physical therapy have failed to provide adequate relief. If symptoms persist for weeks or months without improvement, and the fracture is confirmed through MRI or other imaging, kyphoplasty may offer faster recovery and better long-term results.
Patients With Recent Fractures
Timing is important. The best candidates often have fractures less than three months old. In newer fractures, the bone is still pliable enough for the balloon to restore height before bone healing progresses. Chronic fractures, especially those older than a year, are less likely to experience significant improvement in vertebral height, though pain relief is still possible in some cases.
Those Without Severe Spinal Instability or Neurological Deficits
Ideal candidates should not have significant spinal instability or severe nerve compression that requires more extensive surgery. Kyphoplasty is designed for localized vertebral body repair, not for conditions like large herniated discs, severe spinal stenosis, or advanced scoliosis that may need other interventions.
Medically Stable Patients Who Can Tolerate a Short Procedure
Because kyphoplasty is minimally invasive and often performed under light sedation or local anesthesia, most patients tolerate the procedure well. However, ideal candidates are medically stable enough to undergo the procedure safely.
Is Kyphoplasty Right for You? Contact Us Today to Learn More
Kyphoplasty offers rapid pain relief, improved mobility, and potential restoration of spinal height when performed on the right patients. The ideal candidate is typically someone with a recent, imaging-confirmed vertebral compression fracture, often from osteoporosis or trauma, who has persistent pain despite conservative treatments and no severe spinal instability.
If you are struggling with back pain from a vertebral compression fracture, our pain management doctors at Comprehensive Spine and Pain can determine whether kyphoplasty is right for you. Call us today at (405) 601-4227 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.