Which specialist performs kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to stabilize selected vertebral compression fractures. The clinician guides instruments into the affected vertebra, creates space when appropriate and places bone cement to support the collapsed area. An interventional radiologist brings expertise in image guidance and needle-based procedures; a spine surgeon brings expertise in spinal structure, nerve safety and surgical alternatives. The team reviews scans and the suspected cause of the fracture before recommending treatment.

Take your spine scans, fracture history and medication list to the appointment. Mention blood thinners, allergies, osteoporosis treatment, infection, cancer history, numbness or weakness and difficulty controlling urine or stool. Ask which specialist will perform the procedure, what anesthesia is planned, how long movement may be limited and how the underlying bone weakness will be managed. Rehabilitation advice may include posture, safe transfers and gradual strengthening.

Seek urgent care for new leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, severe unrelenting back pain after an injury, fever with worsening spinal pain, or sudden difficulty walking. These signs can indicate a problem requiring prompt evaluation rather than routine procedure planning.

Ask how the fracture was identified, whether the pain source matches the scan, what non-procedure options exist, how cement placement is monitored and how future fractures will be prevented.