Vertebral body compression fractures (VCF) are the most common fractures caused by osteoporosis. Each year in the U.S., there are over 700,000 VCFs, 260,000 diagnoses of painful VCF refractory to narcotic analgesic and 150,000 hospitalizations due to VCF.

Conventional treatment consists mainly of palliative care (bed rest, narcotic analgesics, back brace), but does not generally provide long-term pain relief or functional improvement. Patients treated conventionally are at risk of suffering from the long-term effects of VCF including spinal deformity, functional impairment, decreased quality of life, loss of pulmonary function and 23% increase in mortality.

We have a new treatment option for patients suffering from painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to provide:

  • significant pain relief
  • stabilization of the fracture
  • deformity correction by re-establishing some or all the lost vertebral body height
  • reduction in lumbar and thoracic spinal deformity (including kyphosis)

Kyphoplasty is done in a hospital or Same Day Surgery Center. It is a same day surgery procedure. The physician inserts a “putty” into the fracture area through a needle and syringe, no incision is needed. Recovery time is minimal and you should experience immediate relief.