Medically reviewed by Raghuveer Boddireddy, MD, Interventional Radiology. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Kyphoplasty?
An interventional radiologist or neuroradiologist most often performs kyphoplasty. These are doctors trained to do procedures guided by imaging. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Kyphoplasty is used to treat painful compression fractures in the spine. In a compression fracture, all or part of a spine bone collapses. The procedure is also called balloon kyphoplasty. Cement is injected into the space made by a balloon to strengthen the bone.
Why a doctor might recommend it
A common cause of compression fractures of the spine is thinning of the bones, called osteoporosis. Your health care provider may recommend kyphoplasty for severe and disabling pain. The pain lasts 2 months or more and does not get better with bed rest, pain medicines, and physical therapy.
How to prepare
- Your doctor first confirms that you have a compression fracture that may benefit from treatment.
- Tell your surgeon if you are or could be pregnant.
- Tell your surgeon which medicines you take, including supplements and herbs you bought without a prescription.
- Your surgeon may ask you to stop taking aspirin and ibuprofen. You may also be asked to stop medicines that make it hard for your blood to clot. Ask which medicines you should still take on the day of the surgery.
- You will most often be told not to drink or eat anything for several hours before the surgery. Follow your doctor's instructions.
- Plan to have someone drive you home if you are not staying in the hospital.
What happens during it
Kyphoplasty is done in a hospital or outpatient clinic. You may have local anesthesia, which means you are awake and cannot feel pain. You will likely also get medicine to help you relax and feel sleepy. You may instead have general anesthesia, which means you are asleep and unable to feel pain. You lie face down on a table. A needle is placed through the skin and into the spine bone. Real-time x-ray images guide the surgeon to the correct area. A balloon is placed through the needle and inflated, which restores the height of the bone. The balloon is then removed and cement is injected into the space the balloon made.
Recovery
You will probably go home on the same day of the surgery. You should not drive, unless your surgeon says it is OK. It is best to stay in bed for the first 24 hours, except to use the bathroom. After 24 hours, slowly return to your regular activities. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for at least 6 weeks. People who have kyphoplasty often have less pain and a better quality of life after the surgery.
Risks and side effects
Kyphoplasty can cause bleeding, infection, allergic reactions to medicines, and nerve injuries. Bone cement can leak into the area around the bone. This can injure the spinal cord or nerves and lead to numbness, tingling, and weakness. You may need spine surgery to remove the leakage if it occurs. About 10 percent of patients may develop more compression fractures after kyphoplasty. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, fainting, sudden weakness, or bleeding that will not stop.
Who performs it
A specially trained interventional radiologist or neuroradiologist most often performs this procedure.
Common questions
How long does kyphoplasty take?
Kyphoplasty is usually completed within one hour. It may take longer if more than one spine bone is being treated.
How soon does kyphoplasty relieve pain?
Many patients feel significant relief almost immediately or within a few days.
How is kyphoplasty different from vertebroplasty?
Kyphoplasty first uses a balloon to make a space. Vertebroplasty injects cement straight into the fractured bone. In kyphoplasty, the cement goes into the space once the balloon is removed. In general, kyphoplasty has less risk of cement leakage than vertebroplasty. This is because the cement is placed within the balloon.
Does kyphoplasty treat arthritis back pain?
No, kyphoplasty is not used for herniated disks or arthritic back pain. It is used to treat painful compression fractures in the spine.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
