Kyphoplasty for Compression Fractures
If you are dealing with a compression fracture, your surgeon may recommend a kyphoplasty procedure. Compression fractures occur when a spinal vertebra breaks and then collapses. Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive spine surgery, can prevent kyphosis, a permanent “hunchback” curve in the spine. Learn more about the benefits of kyphoplasty and how it can repair your spine at the Hoag Orthopedic Institute.
What is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a surgical procedure used to treat compression fractures of the spine. These fractures, also known as vertebral compression fractures (VCF), are typically caused by the natural effects of aging and osteoporosis.
When a VCF causes the vertebra to collapse, it can lead to the development of an abnormal forward curve, resulting in a loss in height, poor posture, and severe back pain. Treatment to fix vertebral compression fractures soon after they happen is essential to restoring vertebral body height and size and avoiding risks of serious complications or additional fractures.
The Kyphoplasty Procedure: What to Expect
As opposed to traditional open surgery, kyphoplasty surgery is performed through a very small incision, or multiple small incisions, in the back. A thin tube is then inserted through the incision, and fluoroscopy, or live imaging, is used to guide the tube into the damaged vertebra.
During the kyphoplasty procedure, a medical-grade balloon is used to inflate and reposition the vertebra into a more normal shape. The balloon also compacts the soft inner portion of bone in the vertebra and creates a cavity. When the balloon is deflated and removed, cement can be put in its place to fix the vertebral body and allow it to maintain a normal shape. The cement will harden, the tube will be removed, and the incisions closed. Kyphoplasty surgery takes about an hour per fracture-level that needs treatment.
Kyphoplasty Surgery Recovery and Rehabilitation
Kyphoplasty surgery is an outpatient procedure. Following kyphoplasty surgery, patients can expect to return to normal activities at the recommendation of their surgeon’s specific instructions, usually after six weeks. Most patients do not require any form of rehabilitation or physical therapy after kyphoplasty.
Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute For Kyphoplasty
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our spine surgeons are Board-Certified experts who specialize in using advanced surgical techniques to help patients find relief from back pain, restore mobility, and effectively handle the demands of daily life. As a minimally invasive spine surgery, kyphoplasty should be performed by surgeons who have experience and who have performed many of these procedures, which is why you should place your trust in the spine specialists at Hoag Orthopedic Institute.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Your first visit to Hoag Orthopedic Institute is a chance for you and your spine specialist to get a complete picture of your current back health and goals for recovery. You’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained back doctor who will listen to your concerns, review any prior imaging or test results, and ask detailed questions about your symptoms and lifestyle. A detailed physical exam may follow to assess your range of motion, strength, and nerve function.
Your back specialist may recommend advanced imaging or additional diagnostic tests available onsite. Together, you’ll discuss what’s causing your pain or mobility limitations and review both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. You’ll leave with a clear and personalized plan designed for your specific needs—and a team ready to support you through each step of your care.
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You can connect with one of our qualified spine specialists to review your symptoms, discuss any existing test results, and explore your back treatment options. To schedule your appointment, simply call our scheduling team at (949) 890-0464 or complete the secure request form on our website.
We’ll connect you with the right back doctor for your needs and can help arrange imaging or records before your visit. From the start, you’ll have access to advanced diagnostics and the latest treatments—including the latest techniques for minimally invasive procedures—tailored to your condition and goals.
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At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our highly qualified physical therapists, back doctors, and spine surgeons work together to treat a broad range of spine conditions. These include addressing herniated discs, relieving spinal stenosis, and managing degenerative disc disease and scoliosis. Conservative treatments often include targeted physical therapy, image-guided injections to relieve nerve pain, or medications to reduce inflammation.
When surgery is your most effective option, our spine specialists perform procedures including spinal decompression to free compressed nerves, spinal fusion to stabilize the spine, and disc replacement to maintain mobility. Many operations are performed using minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques, which combine advanced imaging with precise instrument control to protect surrounding tissues and support a smoother recovery. Our back specialists devise a custom spine plan for each patient, designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help them return to active, pain-free living.
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Hoag Orthopedic Institute offers expert care from fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons, back doctors, and spine specialists who are leaders in their field. Our team also utilizes advanced techniques such as robotic-assisted spine surgery—providing greater surgical planning, accuracy, steadier instrument control, and less disruption to healthy structures for a smoother recovery.
Exceptional technology and an excellent surgical outcome form just part of your experience with our specialized back care. Your orthopedic spine doctor will focus on your total well-being, creating a personalized treatment plan—surgical or non-surgical—to help you move without pain and regain function. From diagnosis through recovery, we’re committed to getting you back to the lifestyle you love, free from the limitations of back pain or dysfunction.
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