Kyphoplasty in Castle Rock
What is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures - fractures in which a vertebral body in the spine collapses or partially collapses. The procedure stabilizes the fracture by injecting bone cement into the fractured vertebra, which hardens and provides structural support. A small balloon is first inflated inside the vertebra to restore some of the lost height before the cement is placed.
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.
When is Kyphoplasty Recommended?
Kyphoplasty is considered when a compression fracture is causing significant pain that has not improved with conservative treatment (rest, bracing, pain medications). Patients with acute fractures - especially those struggling to function due to pain - are often the best candidates.
Kyphoplasty is not appropriate for all fractures. Fractures that are very old and fully healed, fractures with fragments compressing the spinal cord, or fractures caused by infection may require different treatment. Dr. Carrera's team reviews your imaging to determine whether kyphoplasty 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 medical conditions that could affect safety, including uncontrolled diabetes, uncontrolled blood pressure, active infection, or severe cardiopulmonary disease.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The procedure is performed at the outpatient surgery center under IV sedation or monitored anesthesia care (MAC). You will lie face down on a procedure table. Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray), a small needle is inserted through the skin into the fractured vertebra. A balloon is inflated to create a cavity and restore some vertebral height. The balloon is then removed and bone cement is injected into the cavity. The cement hardens within minutes, stabilizing the fracture. The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes per level treated.
How Much Does It Hurt?
The procedure is performed under sedation, so most patients are comfortable throughout. 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.
What Should I Do After Kyphoplasty?
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.
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 right away.
What Are the Risks?
Serious complications are uncommon. Risks include infection, bleeding, cement leakage (usually asymptomatic; symptomatic leakage occurs in about 0.5% of cases), 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. Dr. Carrera's team reviews all risks with you before the procedure.
What About Osteoporosis Treatment?
A compression fracture is often a sign of underlying osteoporosis. After kyphoplasty, the team will discuss bone health and may recommend a DEXA scan (if not already done) and referral to your primary care provider or an endocrinologist for osteoporosis treatment. Treating the underlying bone weakness is important for 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 perform 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?
Yes. Most insurance plans, including Medicare and commercial insurers, cover kyphoplasty for documented compression fractures with appropriate imaging. Prior authorization is required, and the team manages this in-house.
Schedule an Appointment
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with a compression fracture and is in significant pain, do not wait weeks for relief. Dr. Carrera's team prioritizes acute fractures for urgent scheduling.