What should you know about Stryker kyphoplasty?

The name describes the equipment or system used; it does not by itself determine whether kyphoplasty is appropriate. A spine specialist considers the fracture's age, cause, location, pain pattern, imaging findings, bone strength, and general health before recommending treatment.

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure for selected vertebral compression fractures. After anaesthesia and image guidance, the clinician places a narrow instrument into the affected vertebra, inflates a small balloon, and creates a cavity. The balloon is removed, and bone cement is introduced to support the bone. The aim is to reduce fracture-related pain and improve stability; it may not correct every source of back pain or restore the spine to its previous shape.

A fracture caused by a fall, weakened bone, or another condition needs its own assessment. Read about [vertebral compression fracture](/conditions/vertebral-compression-fracture/) and [bone cement](/materials/bone-cement/) to understand the problem and the material used.

Before treatment, share your medicines, allergies, bleeding history, bone-health history, and any heart or lung conditions. Ask which scans are needed, what type of anaesthesia is planned, whether you need to pause a medicine, and how you should arrange transport home. Do not change prescription medicines without the treating clinician's instructions.

Afterward, follow the discharge instructions for wound care, activity, lifting, bathing, and pain relief. Gentle movement may be encouraged, while heavier activity is often restricted until the team reviews your progress. Treatment for osteoporosis may also be needed to reduce the chance of further fractures. The related [kyphoplasty](/treatments/spine-care/kyphoplasty/) page explains the procedure, while [vertebroplasty](/treatments/spine-care/vertebroplasty/) describes a related option without balloon expansion.

Contact your treatment team promptly for worsening or severe back pain, increasing redness or drainage at the puncture site, fever, new weakness, numbness, or trouble walking. Seek emergency care for sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, rapidly progressing leg weakness, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms need assessment regardless of which equipment or cement system was used.

Ask: What confirms that my fracture is the main cause of pain? Why is kyphoplasty suitable for me now? What other treatments could I try? Which Stryker system or components would be used, and why? What are the possible risks in my situation? How will you protect nearby nerves and blood vessels? When can I walk, drive, work, and exercise? What plan will strengthen my bones afterward?