Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures that stabilize painful vertebral compression fractures by injecting bone cement into the collapsed vertebra through a needle. Vertebroplasty injects cement directly; kyphoplasty first inflates a small balloon to create a cavity and partially restore vertebral height before the cement goes in. Both often control the severe back pain these fractures cause within days. They are most commonly used for osteoporotic fractures in elderly patients and for fractures from spinal tumors.
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Who Needs Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty?
Patients with acute vertebral compression fractures causing disabling pain that has not improved after 4-6 weeks of rest, bracing, and pain medications. Most often elderly patients with osteoporosis where fractures occur from minor falls or even normal daily activity. Also appropriate for fractures from spinal metastases or multiple myeloma. Not recommended for asymptomatic fractures or those that have already healed.
What to Expect
Recovery Timeline
Most patients feel significant pain relief within 24-48 hours. Walking is allowed the same day.
Activity gradually resumes based on comfort. Dramatic reduction in pain medication needs for most patients.
Return to normal daily activities. Physical therapy may be prescribed to strengthen back muscles and improve posture.
Osteoporosis treatment should be started or optimized. This is the most important step to preventing fractures at adjacent vertebrae.
Risks & Complications
- Cement leakage around the vertebra — usually asymptomatic, rarely causes nerve compression
- New fracture at an adjacent vertebra — the most common complication, driven by underlying osteoporosis
- Infection (less than 1%)
- Pulmonary embolism from cement migration — extremely rare
- Incomplete pain relief in a minority of patients
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly does vertebroplasty relieve pain?
70-90% of patients report significant improvement within 24-72 hours. Many reduce or eliminate narcotic medication within days. This matters especially for elderly patients, for whom prolonged bed rest and opioid use carry serious secondary risks: pneumonia, deconditioning, and delirium.
Is vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty better?
Both produce similar pain relief. Kyphoplasty has the additional benefit of partially restoring vertebral height before cement placement, which may reduce progressive spinal deformity (kyphosis) from multiple fractures. It takes slightly longer and costs more. For most patients the pain relief outcomes are comparable; the choice depends on fracture characteristics, time since fracture, and available bone quality. Either is far better than prolonged conservative management for an acutely painful fracture.
Will the fracture heal after vertebroplasty?
The cement permanently stabilizes the fracture but does not restore normal bone. The vertebra remains supported by the cement indefinitely, and pain relief is the goal rather than healing in the traditional sense. Treating the underlying osteoporosis after the procedure is essential: patients who skip osteoporosis therapy after vertebroplasty have a substantially higher risk of fracturing additional vertebrae in the following months.
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$10,000 - $25,000 per vertebral level. Covered by Medicare and most insurance plans for osteoporotic and tumor-related fractures when medical criteria are met.
Full cost breakdownRelated Specialty
Spine Specialists →Related Conditions
Other Procedures
This information is for educational purposes only. Costs are estimates and vary by location, surgeon, and insurance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.