Kyphoplasty

Your doctor will examine you, possibly drawing blood for testing and using X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to locate the fractures.

During the procedure:

An anesthesiologist will deliver medicine through an IV to either relax you and relieve your pain or put you to sleep.

With X-ray guidance, your doctor will insert a needle through your skin and back muscles into the bone, then inflate a balloon to help the vertebra regain its normal shape.

• Your doctor will inject the cement while checking X-rays to ensure it’s going into the right place.
• Your doctor will remove the needle, with no stitches needed.
• The entire procedure will probably take less than an hour, though it may last longer if more vertebrae are treated.

• You will spend time in a recovery room. You could go home the same day, but your doctor may want you to stay overnight.
• It’s possible that you can start walking an hour after the procedure. You may feel some soreness where the needle entered your back, but this lasts no more than a few days. You may quickly notice that you have less pain than you did before the surgery.
• Talk with your doctor about whether you should avoid any activities after the procedure.
• Your doctor may suggest taking certain vitamins, minerals and medications to help strengthen your bones and prevent additional spinal fractures.