Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty in Castle Rock
What Are Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty?
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat vertebral compression fractures - fractures in which a vertebral body in the spine collapses or partially collapses. Both procedures stabilize the fracture by injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra. The cement hardens within minutes and provides structural support, reducing pain and preventing further collapse.
Vertebral compression fractures are most commonly caused by osteoporosis, but can also result from cancer, trauma, or long-term steroid use. They cause severe back pain that is often worse with standing, walking, and any movement that loads the spine. Some patients describe the pain as sharp and debilitating, making it difficult to get out of bed or perform basic daily activities.
What is the Difference Between Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty?
Both procedures inject bone cement into a fractured vertebra, but they differ in one key step.
Kyphoplasty: Before the cement is injected, a small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated. This creates a cavity inside the bone and may restore some of the lost vertebral height. The balloon is then removed and cement is injected into the cavity. The balloon step can help reduce the deformity (wedging) caused by the fracture and may lower the risk of cement leaking outside the vertebra.
Vertebroplasty: Cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra without using a balloon. This is a slightly simpler procedure and may be appropriate for certain fracture types where height restoration is less of a concern.
Dr. Carrera's team determines which approach is best based on the fracture location, age of the fracture, degree of collapse, and your overall anatomy. In most cases, kyphoplasty is preferred because the balloon step provides a controlled space for the cement and reduces the chance of leakage. However, vertebroplasty remains a good option in certain situations.
When is Vertebral Augmentation Recommended?
Kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty is considered when a compression fracture is causing significant pain that has not improved with conservative treatment such as rest, bracing, and pain medications. Patients with acute fractures - especially those struggling to walk, stand, or perform daily activities due to pain - are often the best candidates.
These procedures are not appropriate for all fractures. Fractures that are very old and fully healed, fractures with fragments compressing the spinal cord, or fractures caused by active infection may require different treatment. Dr. Carrera's team reviews your imaging to determine whether kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty is the right approach.
How Should I Prepare?
The team will review your medications, especially blood thinners, which may need to be stopped or adjusted before the procedure. Pre-operative antibiotics are given to reduce infection risk. Do not eat or drink for several hours before the procedure. Arrange for someone to drive you home.
Before scheduling, the team screens for conditions that could affect safety, including uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled blood pressure, active infection, or severe cardiopulmonary disease. A pre-procedure screening ensures you are a safe candidate.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The procedure is performed at the outpatient surgery center under IV sedation or monitored anesthesia care (MAC). You lie face down on a procedure table. Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray), a small needle is inserted through the skin into the fractured vertebra.
For kyphoplasty, a balloon is inflated inside the vertebra to create a cavity and partially restore height. The balloon is removed and bone cement is injected into the cavity. For vertebroplasty, cement is injected directly into the vertebra without the balloon step.
The cement hardens within minutes, stabilizing the fracture. The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes per level treated. Most patients go home the same day.
How Much Does It Hurt?
Both procedures are performed under sedation, so most patients are comfortable throughout. You may feel pressure during the procedure but should not experience significant pain. Post-procedure soreness at the needle insertion site is common and typically resolves within a few days. Many patients notice a significant reduction in their fracture pain within 24 to 48 hours - some notice improvement the same day.
What Should I Do After the Procedure?
Avoid repetitive bending, twisting, and lifting more than 10 pounds for about two weeks.
Gradually return to normal activities as tolerated.
Physical therapy may begin about two weeks after the procedure to rebuild strength and mobility.
Some localized soreness and bruising at the procedure site is expected for several days.
When Will I Feel Better?
Many patients notice meaningful pain improvement within one to two days. Some experience relief the same day. The cement stabilizes the fracture immediately, so the mechanical source of pain is addressed during the procedure itself.
What Are the Risks?
Serious complications are uncommon. The most commonly discussed risk is cement leakage, where a small amount of cement moves outside the vertebral body. In most cases, cement leakage is asymptomatic and causes no problems. Symptomatic leakage occurs in approximately 0.5% of cases. Other risks include infection, bleeding, allergic or anesthesia-related reactions, and nerve injury.
New or adjacent fractures can develop over time, which is related to the underlying osteoporosis rather than the procedure itself. Studies report that approximately 50% of osteoporosis patients develop new fractures over two years regardless of whether they have had vertebral augmentation. This is why treating the underlying bone weakness is important.
What About Osteoporosis Treatment?
A compression fracture is often a signal of underlying osteoporosis. After the procedure, the team will discuss bone health and may recommend a DEXA scan (bone density test) if one has not been done recently. Referral to your primary care provider or an endocrinologist for osteoporosis treatment is often appropriate. Addressing the underlying bone weakness is the most important step in reducing the risk of future fractures.
Urgent Access for Acute Compression Fractures
Compression fractures cause severe pain that makes it difficult to stand, walk, or carry out daily activities. Waiting weeks for an appointment is not acceptable when a patient is in this much pain. Dr. Carrera's team prioritizes acute compression fractures for expedited scheduling. Call 720-455-3775 and mention that you or your patient has an acute compression fracture.
Does Insurance Cover Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty?
Yes. Most insurance plans, including Medicare and commercial insurers, cover vertebral augmentation procedures for documented compression fractures with appropriate imaging. Prior authorization is required, and the team manages this in-house.
Schedule an Evaluation
If you have chronic low back pain that has not responded to other treatments, and your MRI shows Modic changes, the Intracept procedure may offer lasting relief. Dr. Carrera's team can review your imaging and determine whether you are a candidate.