Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures for vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).
Vertebroplasty uses fluoroscopic imaging to guide a needle directly into the fractured vertebra. Once inside the fracture, a special bone cement is injected. The cement hardens, which stabilizes and strengthens the bone.
An alternative procedure, called kyphoplasty, is used for a vertebra that has collapsed. During this procedure, small balloons are inserted into the vertebral body and inflated to restore the height of the vertebra. When it is deflated, the resulting hollow cavity is injected with bone cement.
The procedure you have will depend on the type of fracture with your vertebra. You can return home the same day, and in most cases, pain relief is achieved immediately.
Vertebroplasty
Kyphoplasty
FAQ for Spine Fracture Treatment
VCFs are small breaks in the bones of the spine that often occur due to osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer. They can cause debilitating back pain, limited mobility, or loss of height.
We provide two minimally invasive treatments:
- Vertebroplasty: A fast-drying bone cement is injected into the fractured vertebra to stabilize and strengthen it.
- Kyphoplasty: Small balloons are inserted into the collapsed vertebra and inflated to restore vertebral height. The balloons are then deflated and removed, and a fast-drying bone cement is injected into the cavity made by the balloons.
The right procedure depends on the type and severity of your fracture. Vertebroplasty is often used for stable fractures, while kyphoplasty may be recommended if the vertebra has collapsed and needs height restoration. Your provider will determine which option is best after reviewing imaging and your symptoms.
- Minimally invasive, requiring only a small incision to access the blood stream
- Typically performed under local anesthesia with “twilight” sedation
- Same-day discharge (no overnight hospital stay)
- Quick pain relief, often within hours
- Restored mobility and reduced risk of further spinal deformity
Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days. Pain relief is often immediate, although some patients may take a few days to experience the full benefit.
Yes, both procedures are considered safe and effective when performed by experienced interventional radiologists. As with any procedure, risks exist but are uncommon. These include infection, bleeding, or cement leakage, which are rare.
Patients with painful vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or certain cancers may be good candidates. Evaluation with imaging is required to confirm eligibility.
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, typically cover vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty when medically necessary. Our office staff will help confirm your coverage before treatment.
Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty generally take about one hour per vertebra, depending on the complexity of the fracture.
You can schedule an appointment with North Star Vascular & Interventional in Minneapolis by calling our office. Our team will review your condition, perform necessary imaging, and recommend the best treatment for your spine fracture.