Interventional radiologist performing kyphoplasty for spinal compression fracture at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas

Kyphoplasty for Spinal Compression Fractures in Pasadena, TX

At Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas, our interventional radiology team performs kyphoplasty — a minimally invasive procedure that restores vertebral height and stabilizes spinal compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer. Patients typically experience significant pain relief and return to normal activities within days. Call (832) 583-2246 to schedule your consultation in Pasadena, TX .

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What Is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) of the spine. It is closely related to vertebroplasty but includes an additional and important step: a small balloon is first inserted into the collapsed vertebra and inflated to restore the bone’s original height and create a cavity before bone cement is injected. This two-step approach not only stabilizes the fractured vertebra but also corrects the deformity caused by collapse — helping to restore posture, reduce spinal curvature (kyphosis), and relieve the nerve pressure that contributes to pain.

Kyphoplasty has been performed since the late 1990s and is a well-established, evidence-based treatment for vertebral compression fractures, supported by multiple large-scale clinical studies demonstrating significant and durable improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life. If you or a loved one is suffering from a spinal compression fracture, contact Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas at (832) 583-2246 for a prompt evaluation in Pasadena, TX .

What Causes Spinal Compression Fractures?

Vertebral compression fractures occur when one or more of the bones (vertebrae) of the spine collapse or crack under pressure. They are among the most common fractures in adults over 50, affecting approximately 1.5 million Americans each year. The most frequent causes include:

  • Osteoporosis: By far the most common cause. Osteoporosis progressively weakens bone density, making vertebrae susceptible to fracturing even under the relatively minor stress of everyday activities such as bending, lifting, or coughing. Women over 65 and men over 70 are at particular risk.
  • Trauma: A fall, motor vehicle accident, or other significant impact can fracture vertebrae even in patients with normal bone density, particularly in the thoracic (mid-back) and lumbar (lower back) regions.
  • Cancer and metastatic disease: Tumors that spread to the spine — or primary spinal tumors — can weaken vertebral bone and cause pathological fractures. Kyphoplasty can be used in conjunction with other oncologic treatments to stabilize these fractures and relieve pain. Learn more about how we treat cancer-related conditions on our liver cancer and kidney cancer pages.
  • Metabolic disorders: Conditions that affect bone metabolism — such as hyperparathyroidism, long-term corticosteroid use, or multiple myeloma — can also compromise vertebral integrity and lead to compression fractures.

Also see our related page on osteoporotic compression fractures of the spine and sacrum for more information about fracture management at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas.

Why Should Spinal Compression Fractures Be Treated?

Spinal compression fractures are not simply a source of back pain — they represent a serious structural injury with significant consequences if left untreated. Reasons to seek prompt treatment include:

  • Severe and debilitating pain: Compression fractures cause acute, often intense back pain that can become chronic without intervention, severely limiting a patient’s ability to move, sit, stand, or sleep comfortably.
  • Progressive spinal deformity: Untreated fractures allow vertebrae to remain collapsed, leading to a progressive forward curvature of the spine known as kyphosis (a “dowager’s hump”). This deformity can cause difficulty breathing, reduced abdominal space, and chronic musculoskeletal pain.
  • Increased fracture risk: A single vertebral compression fracture significantly increases the risk of subsequent fractures in adjacent vertebrae — creating a cascade of spinal instability if not addressed.
  • Loss of independence and mobility: Chronic spinal fracture pain forces patients to limit activity, often leading to muscle deconditioning, reduced bone density, and an increased risk of dangerous falls.
  • Neurological complications: In some cases, bone fragments from an unstable fracture can impinge on the spinal cord or nerve roots, causing radiating pain, weakness, or numbness.

Early treatment with kyphoplasty can prevent many of these complications and restore meaningful function. Call Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas at (832) 583-2246 to discuss your treatment options in Pasadena, TX .

How Is the Kyphoplasty Procedure Performed?

Kyphoplasty at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas is performed under real-time fluoroscopic (X-ray) and imaging guidance in a minimally invasive, outpatient setting. Here is a step-by-step overview of what patients can expect:

  • Anesthesia: The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with conscious sedation or, in some cases, general anesthesia depending on the patient’s needs and preference.
  • Access: A small skin incision — less than one centimeter — is made on each side of the back overlying the fractured vertebra. A thin hollow needle is guided precisely into the collapsed vertebral body under fluoroscopic imaging.
  • Balloon inflation: A specially designed orthopedic balloon (called a bone tamp) is advanced through the needle into the fractured vertebra and carefully inflated. The balloon gently elevates the collapsed bone, restoring vertebral height and creating a cavity within the fracture.
  • Cement injection: Once the balloon is deflated and removed, the cavity is carefully filled with a thick, medical-grade bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate, or PMMA) under continuous imaging guidance. The cement hardens rapidly, stabilizing the vertebra and preventing further collapse.
  • Completion: The needles are removed and the tiny skin incisions are closed with a simple bandage. No stitches are typically required.

The entire procedure generally takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on the number of vertebrae treated. Most patients at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas are discharged home the same day and experience immediate or near-immediate pain relief following the procedure.

How Is Kyphoplasty Different From Surgery?

Traditional open spinal surgery for compression fractures involves general anesthesia, significant muscle dissection, hardware placement, and a recovery period of weeks to months. Kyphoplasty offers a dramatically less invasive alternative:

  • No large incisions: Only a small needle puncture is needed at each treatment level — no cutting through muscle or tissue layers.
  • Shorter procedure and recovery: Kyphoplasty is typically completed in under 90 minutes, and most patients return home the same day and resume light activities within a few days.
  • Significant pain relief: The majority of patients report meaningful reduction in back pain shortly after the procedure — often within 24 to 48 hours.
  • Height and posture restoration: The balloon inflation step distinguishes kyphoplasty from vertebroplasty by actively restoring vertebral height and correcting spinal alignment, not simply stabilizing the fracture in its collapsed state.
  • Lower risk profile: The minimally invasive nature of kyphoplasty is associated with lower rates of infection, blood loss, and complications compared to open spinal surgery.

What Are the Alternatives to Kyphoplasty?

For patients with spinal compression fractures who are evaluating their options, alternatives to kyphoplasty include:

  • Conservative management: Pain medications, bed rest, and activity modification may be recommended for mild fractures, particularly in patients who are poor procedural candidates. However, conservative treatment does not stabilize the fracture or restore vertebral height and may lead to prolonged pain and disability.
  • Bracing: A spinal brace can help support the spine and limit painful movement but does not treat the underlying fracture and is often poorly tolerated by older patients.
  • Physical therapy: Appropriate after fracture stabilization to rebuild strength and improve posture, but not a primary treatment for an acute or painful compression fracture.
  • Vertebroplasty: A closely related procedure in which bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra without the balloon inflation step. Vertebroplasty stabilizes the fracture but does not restore vertebral height or correct spinal deformity to the same degree as kyphoplasty.
  • Open spinal surgery: Reserved for cases with significant neurological compromise, spinal instability, or fractures not amenable to cement augmentation.

Our team at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas will evaluate your imaging, symptoms, and overall health to recommend the most appropriate treatment for your specific fracture. We also treat related spinal conditions — visit our osteoporotic compression fractures page for more information. Call (832) 583-2246 to get started in Pasadena, TX .

What Are the Risks and Potential Complications of Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a well-established and generally safe procedure with an excellent track record. As with any interventional procedure, some risks exist and will be thoroughly reviewed with you during your consultation at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas. Potential complications include:

  • Cement leakage: The most common concern is leakage of bone cement outside the vertebra into adjacent spaces. In the majority of cases this is asymptomatic, but in rare instances it can cause pain or neurological symptoms if cement contacts nerve structures. The balloon step in kyphoplasty helps reduce this risk by creating a contained cavity before cement injection.
  • Infection: Rare but possible; minimized through sterile procedural technique.
  • Bleeding: Minor bleeding at the access site is possible; significant bleeding is uncommon.
  • Neurological complications: Extremely rare, but nerve injury or spinal cord compression can occur if cement leaks into critical areas.
  • Adjacent fracture: Some studies suggest a small increased risk of fracture in vertebrae adjacent to a treated level, likely related to underlying osteoporosis rather than the procedure itself.

Our interventional radiology team at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas uses precise real-time imaging guidance throughout every kyphoplasty procedure to maximize safety and accuracy. Call (832) 583-2246 with any questions or to schedule your consultation in Pasadena, TX .

Frequently Asked Questions About Kyphoplasty

How do I know if I need kyphoplasty versus just rest and pain medication?

Conservative treatment such as pain medication and rest is sometimes appropriate for very mild or early compression fractures, but it does not stabilize the fracture, restore vertebral height, or prevent progressive collapse. Kyphoplasty is generally recommended when pain is severe or persistent, when imaging shows an acute or subacute fracture with significant collapse, or when conservative management has not provided adequate relief after several weeks. Our team at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas will evaluate your MRI and CT imaging to determine whether kyphoplasty is appropriate for your specific fracture. Call (832) 583-2246 to schedule your evaluation in Pasadena, TX .

How quickly will I feel pain relief after kyphoplasty?

Many patients at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas experience significant pain relief within 24 to 48 hours of the kyphoplasty procedure. The stabilization of the fractured vertebra immediately eliminates the painful micro-motion occurring at the fracture site. Some patients notice improvement even before leaving the recovery area. Full benefit continues to develop over the days and weeks following the procedure as post-procedure soreness resolves.

Is kyphoplasty performed under general anesthesia?

Kyphoplasty at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas is most commonly performed under local anesthesia combined with conscious sedation, meaning you are relaxed and comfortable but not fully unconscious. General anesthesia is available for patients who prefer it or require it based on their medical circumstances. The choice of anesthesia will be discussed during your pre-procedure consultation. The minimally invasive nature of kyphoplasty means that general anesthesia is not typically necessary, which reduces overall procedural risk — particularly for older patients.

How many vertebrae can be treated in a single kyphoplasty session?

In many cases, multiple adjacent fractured vertebrae can be treated during a single kyphoplasty session, depending on the patient’s overall health and the extent of the fractures. Treating multiple levels in one procedure avoids the need for repeat visits and allows for a single recovery period. Our interventional radiology team at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas will review your imaging to determine how many levels require treatment and whether they can be addressed together. Call (832) 583-2246 for more information.

Will kyphoplasty cure my osteoporosis?

No — kyphoplasty treats the fracture that has already occurred but does not address the underlying bone loss of osteoporosis. Following your procedure, it is important to work with your primary care physician or an osteoporosis specialist to begin or optimize bone-strengthening treatment — such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, or other medications — to reduce the risk of future fractures. Our team at Minimally Invasive Specialists of Texas can coordinate with your other providers as part of your comprehensive care plan.

What is the difference between kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty?

Both procedures inject bone cement into a fractured vertebra to stabilize it, but they differ in one key step. Vertebroplasty injects cement directly into the collapsed vertebra without any prior bone expansion. Kyphoplasty adds a balloon inflation step before cement injection, which gently elevates the collapsed bone to restore vertebral height and creates a cavity that allows the cement to be placed at lower pressure — reducing the risk of cement leakage and better correcting spinal deformity. For most patients with height loss and postural changes from compression fractures, kyphoplasty is the preferred approach.

How long do the results of kyphoplasty last?

The structural stabilization achieved by kyphoplasty is durable — the bone cement does not resorb or degrade over time, and the treated vertebra typically remains stable long-term. Pain relief following kyphoplasty is also sustained in the majority of patients, with multiple studies demonstrating lasting improvements in pain and function at one, two, and five-year follow-up intervals. The primary risk of recurrent pain over time relates to new fractures occurring in adjacent vertebrae due to ongoing osteoporosis, which underscores the importance of addressing bone health after the procedure.