Patient handout · Pain treatments
Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty
What it is
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty treat a broken bone in the spine. A doctor puts bone cement into the bone through a needle. This may make the bone steadier and ease pain.
Why it is done
- Painful vertebral compression fracture confirmed by imaging
- Pain that limits walking or daily activities
- Fracture that has not improved with initial conservative care
- Patients without active infection
What to expect
- Before: An MRI or CT confirms the fracture. We review your medicines and bone health.
- During: You get sedation or anesthesia. Using X-ray, the doctor places a needle into the broken bone and fills it with bone cement.
- After: You are watched for a short time and usually go home the same day. You then slowly return to normal activity.
Self-care tips
- Rest the day of your injection. Most people return to light activity the next day.
- Ice on the site for 15 to 20 minutes may ease soreness.
- Keep a pain diary for 2 weeks to share with us.
- Keep taking your usual medicines unless we tell you otherwise.
When to call us
- Fever or chills
- Redness, swelling, warmth or drainage where the needle went in
- Pain that is much worse than before, or new weakness or numbness
- A bad headache that is worse when you sit or stand
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
This handout is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.