Kyphoplasty for Painful Spinal Fractures

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat painful spinal compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis or trauma. A small balloon restores vertebral height, then bone cement stabilizes the fracture, relieving pain, improving mobility, and helping patients return to daily activities more comfortably, with minimal recovery time and safety.

Sudden back pain that worsens when standing or walking is often dismissed as a muscle problem, but for many adults in Dallas, it can be a sign of a vertebral compression fracture. This type of fracture is commonly linked to osteoporosis, prior spinal injury, or age-related bone weakening. Without proper care, it may lead to persistent pain, reduced mobility, and visible posture changes that interfere with daily routines.

At Premier Pain Centers, kyphoplasty is used as a minimally invasive approach to stabilize fractured vertebrae and relieve spinal pressure from within. By supporting the affected bone internally, the procedure helps reduce pain and improve movement without open spine surgery. Kyphoplasty is usually recommended when fracture-related back pain does not improve with rest, bracing, or medication alone. Many patients seeking kyphoplasty treatment in Dallas consider this option to regain stability, manage pain, and return to normal activities with minimal recovery time.

What Is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive spine procedure used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures that can significantly limit movement and quality of life. These fractures happen when one or more spinal bones weaken and collapse, most commonly due to osteoporosis, spinal trauma, or bone deterioration related to certain medical conditions. The resulting pain often worsens with standing, walking, or routine daily activities.

During the kyphoplasty procedure, a small balloon is carefully inserted into the fractured vertebra through a tiny incision. The balloon is gently inflated to restore lost height and create space within the bone. Once this space is established, medical-grade bone cement is injected to stabilize the vertebra, strengthen the spine, and reduce the risk of further collapse. By reinforcing the damaged bone from within, kyphoplasty aims to relieve pain, improve spinal alignment, and support safer, more comfortable movement with minimal recovery time.

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Conditions Kyphoplasty Can Treat

Kyphoplasty may be recommended for fractures caused by:

  • Osteoporosis-related bone weakening
  • Falls or minor spinal trauma
  • Compression fractures linked to spinal tumors
  • Cancer-related vertebral fractures
  • Painful fractures not responding to conservative care

Symptoms that May Indicate a Spinal Compression Fracture

Patients often seek kyphoplasty after experiencing:

  • Sudden mid-back or lower back pain
  • Pain that worsens when standing or walking
  • Limited spinal movement
  • Height loss over time
  • Forward spinal curvature (kyphosis)
  • Pain that improves when lying down

Who Is a Candidate for Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty may be an appropriate option for patients who have a confirmed vertebral compression fracture identified through imaging such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Candidates often experience pain that is clearly localized to the fracture site and significant enough to interfere with daily activities such as standing, walking, or routine movement. The procedure is usually considered when non-surgical treatments like rest, bracing, or medication have not provided adequate relief and when the fracture is relatively recent. Kyphoplasty may not be suitable for all patients, as those with active infection, unstable spinal fractures, or certain bleeding disorders may require alternative treatment options based on their medical history and condition.

How the Kyphoplasty Procedure Is Performed

Kyphoplasty is typically completed as an outpatient procedure under image guidance. Procedure steps include:

Local anesthesia with light sedation
Small skin incision over the affected vertebra
Placement of a narrow tube into the bone
Inflation of a balloon to restore vertebral height
Injection of medical-grade bone cement
Cement hardens to stabilize the fracture

Recovery After Kyphoplasty

Recovery is generally short compared to traditional spine surgery. What patients can expect:

Pain relief often within 24–48 hours
Same-day discharge in most cases
Mild soreness at the treatment site
Gradual return to walking and light activity
Activity restrictions for a short period

Benefits of Kyphoplasty

Patients often experience meaningful improvement, including:

Reduced fracture-related back pain
Improved ability to stand and walk
Stabilization of collapsed vertebrae
Prevention of further spinal deformity
Decreased reliance on pain medication

Risks and Safety Considerations

Kyphoplasty is widely performed and considered safe when properly selected. As with any procedure, risks exist. Possible risks include:

Cement leakage
Infection
Bleeding
Nerve irritation
Fracture in nearby vertebrae

Best Pain Management Doctors in Dallas

Meet our best pain management doctors in Dallas, who provide personalized, evidence-based care to reduce chronic pain. Our experienced pain focuses on lasting recovery and improved mobility.

Rao K. Ali MD

Rao K. Ali MD

Board Certified Interventional Pain Management
William Moore MD

William Moore MD

Board Certified Interventional Pain Management
Christopher P Creighton MD

Christopher P Creighton MD

Board Certified Interventional Pain Management
Christian Isaac, MD

Christian Isaac, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon

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Why Choose Premier Pain Centers?

  • Board-certified pain management physicians with experience in spine-focused procedures
  • Evidence-based treatment approach guided by accurate diagnosis and imaging
  • Image-guided kyphoplasty and other spine interventions for improved precision and safety
  • Personalized care plans based on symptoms, imaging results, and patient history
  • Emphasis on non-surgical pain management whenever clinically appropriate
  • Focus on reducing pain while supporting long-term spine stability and mobility
  • Clear patient education to help individuals understand their condition and treatment options
  • Coordinated care with referring providers when needed for continuity of treatment

Schedule a Kyphoplasty Evaluation

When spinal fracture pain begins to limit mobility or interfere with daily activities, kyphoplasty may offer a way to restore support within the spine and reduce discomfort. Early evaluation is important, as timely treatment can help lower the risk of complications and support better recovery outcomes. Patients can contact Premier Pain Centers to schedule a consultation and discuss whether kyphoplasty is an appropriate option based on imaging results and individual symptoms.

Physician Referrals and Patient Coordination

At Premier Pain Centers, we partner with physicians to provide expert pain management, seamless communication, and personalized care enhancing patients’ lives.

Physicians can easily refer patients to our clinics or help new patients complete their intake process through the options below.