Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat spinal compression fractures, which are often caused by osteoporosis, cancer or trauma. These fractures can lead to severe back pain, reduced mobility, loss of height and spinal deformity if left untreated.
At Northeast Georgia Health System our neurosurgeons and spine specialists perform advanced spine fracture treatments designed to stabilize the spine, relieve pain and help patients return to normal activity as quickly as possible.
Why choose Northeast Georgia Health System for spine surgery?
At NGHS our spine care and surgery program combines cutting-edge technology, experienced neurosurgeons and a patient-centered approach. Choosing NGHS means access to:
- Board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons specializing in spine care
- Advanced imaging and minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Comprehensive, wrap-around care from outpatient evaluation to rehabilitation
- Collaborative treatment with interventional pain management, radiology and physical therapy specialists
- State-of-the-art facilities and hospital certifications ensuring safe, high-quality outcomes
Our team works together to provide personalized care for each patient, helping them regain function, relieve pain and return to daily life as quickly and safely as possible.
Compression fractures occur when one or more vertebrae collapse or break, typically due to weakened bone structure. Common causes include:
- Osteoporosis: The most common cause, leading to fragile bones that fracture easily
- Cancer: Metastatic disease that spreads to the spine can weaken vertebrae
- Trauma: Falls, accidents or injuries that compress the spine
- Long-term steroid use: Can decrease bone density over time
If left untreated, these fractures can result in chronic pain, limited mobility and a curved or hunched posture (kyphosis).
Symptoms vary depending on the severity and location of the fracture but may include:
- Sudden, severe back pain that worsens with movement
- Loss of height or a stooped posture
- Pain that radiates around the sides or toward the abdomen
- Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
At NGHS our interventional pain management and neurosurgery teams use advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to confirm fractures and determine the most effective treatment plan. These may include:
- X-rays: Identify vertebral collapse or alignment changes
- MRI scans: Evaluate soft tissue, spinal cord and nerve involvement
- CT scans: Provide detailed 3D images of the fracture
- Bone density testing: Assess for underlying osteoporosis
Minimally Invasive Spine Fracture Treatments
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty is designed to restore the height and shape of a collapsed vertebra before stabilizing it.
During the procedure:
- A small incision is made in the back
- A narrow tube is inserted into the fractured vertebra using X-ray guidance
- A small balloon is inflated to create space and restore height
- The balloon is removed and the space is filled with bone cement
Vertebroplasty
Vertebroplasty focuses on stabilizing the fractured vertebra by injecting bone cement directly into the bone.
During the procedure:
- A small needle is inserted into the fractured vertebra using imaging guidance
- Medical-grade bone cement is injected into the collapsed area
- The cement hardens quickly, stabilizing and strengthening the bone
Both procedures offer significant advantages over traditional surgery or non-surgical treatments:
- Rapid pain relief for many patients
- Improved mobility and function
- Stabilization of the spine
- Minimally invasive with small incisions
- Short procedure time (often less than an hour per vertebra)
- Same-day discharge for most patients
- Kyphoplasty may also help restore lost vertebral height and improve spinal alignment.
Recovery from kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty is typically fast. Many patients experience noticeable pain relief within 24–48 hours.
- Most patients go home the same day
- Light activities can often resume within a few days
- Walking and normal movement are encouraged
- Strenuous activities (heavy lifting, bending, twisting) should be avoided for 4–6 weeks
Your care team will provide a personalized recovery plan to support safe healing.
Request an Appointment
If you’re experiencing back pain or have been diagnosed with a spinal compression fracture, start with NGPG Comprehensive Spine Care for an evaluation. No referral is needed to make an appointment.