Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat painful spinal compression fractures, most commonly caused by osteoporosis or trauma.
During the procedure, Dr. Tristan Fried restores the height of the fractured vertebra and stabilizes it by injecting medical-grade bone cement, which relieves pain and prevents further collapse.

Kyphoplasty can dramatically reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent spinal deformity, often with same-day recovery and minimal downtime. 

You may be a candidate for kyphoplasty if you have:

• Sudden, severe back pain caused by a compression fracture
   
• Pain that worsens when standing or walking but improves when lying down
   
• Spinal fractures from osteoporosis that haven’t healed with conservative treatment
   
• Deformity such as forward stooping or hunching (kyphosis) due to vertebral collapse
   
• Fractures identified on X-rays, MRI, or CT scans
   

Kyphoplasty is not typically used for fractures caused by infections or completely healed old fractures.
 

Spinal compression fractures occur when a vertebra collapses or breaks, often due to:

• Osteoporosis: weakened bones are more prone to fractures, even from minor movements or lifting
   
• Trauma: falls, car accidents, or sports injuries
   
• Degenerative changes: long-term wear-and-tear combined with aging

• Rapid pain relief – many patients experience improvement within 24–48 hours
   
• Restores vertebral height to help correct posture and alignment
   
• Minimally invasive – performed through a tiny incision
   
• Outpatient procedure – most patients go home the same day
   
• Prevents further collapse and spinal deformity
   
• Reduces reliance on pain medications and improves overall quality of life

• Preparation: You will receive local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
   
• Small incision: Dr. Fried makes a tiny incision over the affected area.
   
• Balloon insertion: A small balloon is carefully inserted into the fractured vertebra and gently inflated to restore height.
   
• Cavity creation: The balloon is removed, leaving a space for the cement.
   
• Cement injection: Medical-grade bone cement is injected to stabilize the bone and lock it in place.
   
• Closure: The incision is closed with a small bandage, limited stitches are typically needed.
  

• Same-day discharge: Most patients go home within a few hours after the procedure.
   
• Immediate mobility: Walking and light activity are encouraged the same day.
   
• Pain relief timeline: Many patients notice significant pain relief within 24–48 hours.
   
• Return to normal activities: Most patients resume normal daily activities within a few days.
   
• Physical therapy: May be recommended to improve posture and strengthen core muscles.
   
• Osteoporosis management: Medications and lifestyle changes are often introduced to prevent future fractures.
   

Call Dr. Fried’s office immediately if you experience:

• Fever, chills, or signs of infection at the incision site
   
• Sudden, severe back pain that worsens after initial improvement
   
• New or worsening weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
   
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (medical emergency)