Does a spine surgery perform kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure for certain collapsed vertebrae. Through a small access channel, the surgeon uses a balloon-like device to create space before placing bone cement to stabilise the treated vertebra. Imaging confirms the fracture's location and helps assess whether it is recent and suitable for this approach. A spine surgeon may perform the procedure, although interventional radiology or another trained service may also provide it. Not every compression fracture needs kyphoplasty.

Arrange assessment with a spine clinician and bring imaging, reports, and your medication list. Mention the injury date, pain when standing or walking, previous fractures, steroid use, and known osteoporosis. Ask whether pain control, bracing, bone-health treatment, or physiotherapy should be tried or continued. If kyphoplasty is proposed, discuss anaesthesia, cement-related risks, activity limits, wound care, and a plan to reduce the chance of further fractures.

Seek urgent assessment for new leg weakness, numbness around the groin, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe pain after a fall. After kyphoplasty, contact the treating team promptly for fever, worsening wound pain, new weakness or numbness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, or pain that suddenly spreads into an arm or leg.

Ask how the fracture was dated, whether the vertebra is stable, and why kyphoplasty is preferable to observation, bracing, or another treatment. Clarify the expected effect on pain, the anaesthesia plan, recovery restrictions, bone-strengthening care, and symptoms that should trigger immediate review.