If you are experiencing pain due to a vertebral fracture, then kyphoplasty may be the right option for you. However, discussing your options with your healthcare provider before deciding on any treatment plan is always going to be the most important first step. Your provider will assess your medical history and current condition to determine if kyphoplasty is the best course of action or if it may be worth exploring other paths.
Patients first receive IV medication (relaxing sedative or full sedation) to ensure they feel no pain at any point in the procedure. The surgery itself works through the insertion of a balloon-like device known as an inflatable bone tamp into the fractured area, which is then inflated and filled with a special cement-like material via a needle to stabilize the vertebra and prevent further damage. Then the surgeon removes the needle, with the whole procedure lasting only about a single hour, with some variation. Afterward, you can return home as long as some drives you. In some cases, patients may need to treat more than one vertebra, which could result in a longer treatment.