Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in Austin with our experienced professionals are minimally invasive treatments that relieve pain from spinal compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis, injury, or weakened bones. At Medical Vascular Partners, double board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologists Dr. Rajiv Srinivasa and Dr. Taylor Maloney use image-guided techniques to stabilize fractured vertebrae and restore function, helping you return to comfortable movement without major surgery.
Overview
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat painful spinal compression fractures by reinforcing weakened or damaged vertebrae. Both procedures involve placing medical-grade bone cement into the fractured bone to restore strength, stability, and support. Kyphoplasty adds an extra step by using a small balloon to gently create space and improve the vertebra’s height before cement placement. These techniques are performed through tiny incisions under image guidance, allowing your physician to precisely target the fracture and provide rapid pain relief with minimal downtime.
Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty Treat
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in Austin, with our professionals, treat spinal compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, trauma, cancer-related bone weakness, or age-related degeneration. These fractures can lead to persistent discomfort and limit your ability to move comfortably. By stabilizing the fractured vertebrae, these treatments help address symptoms including:
- Severe back pain that worsens with standing, walking, or movement
- Noticeable loss of height over time
- A hunched or stooped posture
- Reduced mobility or difficulty performing daily activities
- Pain that does not improve with rest, medication, or bracing
How Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty Work
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty strengthen a fractured vertebra by injecting medical-grade bone cement into the weakened area. Your physician uses a real-time X-ray to guide a tiny needle into the affected bone. In kyphoplasty, a small balloon is first inflated to gently lift and reshape the collapsed vertebra. The cement then fills the space, hardens quickly, and stabilizes the structure. Vertebroplasty skips the balloon step but achieves the same goal, reinforcing the bone. Both techniques reduce painful movement at the fracture site.
Advantages of Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty offer effective solutions for patients experiencing pain from spinal compression fractures who want relief without major surgery. These minimally invasive procedures provide several important benefits, including:
- Rapid pain reduction and improved comfort
- Stabilization of weakened or fractured vertebrae
- Restoration of spinal alignment and posture (more common with kyphoplasty)
- Minimal downtime and quick return to daily activities
- Reduced reliance on pain medications
- Tiny incisions that lower the risk of surgical complications
- Outpatient treatment performed under image guidance for precision
Are Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty Painful Procedures?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during these treatments. Local anesthesia and sedation are typically used to keep you comfortable. You may feel pressure, but not pain, as the cement is placed. Many patients notice significant relief within hours to days.
Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty FAQs
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Both procedures are relatively quick, usually taking 45 minutes to an hour per treated vertebra. Afterward, you’ll spend a short time in recovery and can often return home the same day. Most patients resume light activities within a day or two.
Who is a Good Candidate for Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty?
The ideal candidates are individuals with painful vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer that have not improved with rest, medications, or bracing. Your physician will evaluate your medical history, the results of your imaging studies, and your symptoms to determine if these procedures are appropriate for you.
Is the Bone Cement Safe?
Yes. The medical-grade cement used has been extensively studied and proven effective for stabilizing fractured vertebrae. Once injected, it rapidly hardens and reinforces the bone. Modern techniques and imaging guidance minimize the risk of leakage or complications.
Will These Procedures Restore My Spinal Height?
Kyphoplasty is specifically performed to help restore some lost vertebral height by using a balloon to create space before cement placement. Vertebroplasty does not include this step. Both procedures stabilize the fracture, but kyphoplasty also helps restore height.
Do the Results Last Long Term?
Yes. The cement permanently reinforces the treated vertebra, providing durable support. While the treated fracture is unlikely to cause future pain, maintaining bone health through diet, medications, and lifestyle changes is important to reduce the risk of new fractures.
Schedule Your Consultation
Medical Vascular Partners is committed to helping you find lasting relief from spinal compression fractures using minimally invasive treatments tailored to your needs. Our double board-certified diagnostic and interventional radiologists use image-guided kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty in Austin to stabilize damaged vertebrae, reduce pain, and restore mobility, all without traditional surgery. If back pain is limiting your daily activities, schedule your consultation for kyphoplasty & vertebroplasty in Austin, TX today.
