What Are Vertebral Compression Fractures?
Overview
Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive, image-guided procedures used to stabilize painful vertebral compression fractures—often caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer-related bone loss. These advanced treatments help restore spinal stability, reduce pain, and improve mobility with little to no downtime.
All procedures are performed in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Who Is a Candidate?
You may be a candidate if you have:
- Persistent back pain from a recent vertebral compression fracture
- Imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT) confirming a treatable fracture
- Limited mobility or loss of height from spinal collapse
- Underlying osteoporosis or certain cancer-related spinal conditions
Your physician will evaluate your medical history, imaging, and medications to determine whether kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty is appropriate.
Insurance & Pre-Authorization
Most insurers, including Medicare, cover kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty when medically indicated. However, spinal augmentation procedures often require additional documentation or prior authorization.
Insurance approval may depend on demonstrating a reasonable duration of pain, attempted conservative therapies (like bracing or physical therapy), and supporting imaging. Our administrative team assists patients in navigating these requirements to prevent unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
No. You will receive local anesthesia and IV medications for pain and relaxation. You’ll remain awake but comfortable throughout the procedure.
How long will recovery take?
Most patients return home within a few hours and resume light activity within one to two days.
Is kyphoplasty the same as vertebroplasty?
They are related. Vertebroplasty injects bone cement directly into the fracture, while kyphoplasty uses a balloon first to create space and may help restore height before stabilization.
Do I need a referral or imaging first?
If you have recent imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT), please bring those with you. You may be referred by your primary care provider, spine specialist, oncologist, or self-refer if allowed by your health plan. Our team can help coordinate any necessary imaging.
Am I a Candidate for Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty?
You may be a good candidate for Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty if you are experiencing persistent back pain caused by a vertebral compression fracture (VCF). These procedures are most effective when performed within a few weeks to months of the fracture occurring. Ideal candidates often include those who:
- Have been diagnosed with a recent, painful vertebral compression fracture confirmed by imaging (X-ray, MRI, or CT scan).
- Are suffering from severe back pain that has not improved with pain medication, rest, or bracing.
- Experience pain that worsens when standing or walking and is relieved by lying down.
- Have limited mobility and difficulty performing daily activities due to the fracture pain.
- Have fractures caused by osteoporosis, long-term steroid use, or certain types of spinal tumors (e.g., multiple myeloma).
These procedures are not suitable for all types of back pain, such as pain from herniated discs or spinal stenosis. A thorough evaluation by one of our specialists, including a review of your symptoms and imaging studies, is necessary to confirm that a VCF is the source of your pain and to determine if Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty is the most appropriate treatment for you.
Why Choose Our Birmingham Kyphoplasty Specialists?
Our fellowship-trained interventional radiologists specialize in precision image-guided spine procedures. With a patient-centered approach, we focus on safety, comfort, and outcomes—working closely with your referring physician to ensure seamless continuity of care.
- Minimally invasive, same-day procedure
- Rapid pain relief, often within 24–48 hours
- Local anesthesia with light sedation (not general anesthesia)
- Coordinated insurance pre-authorization and follow-up
- Focused expertise in spinal augmentation
What to Expect During Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty
Pre-Operative Process
Review of imaging, medication adjustments (especially blood thinners), fasting instructions, and planning. Occasionally, after clinical evaluation, insurers may request additional steps—such as documentation of pain duration, prior medication use, physical therapy, or bracing—before granting approval.
Local anesthesia and light sedation (IV medications for pain and anxiety) are typically used. You’ll be comfortable, relaxed, and awake but not “put to sleep”. Continuous monitoring is provided throughout the procedure.
Under fluoroscopy or CT guidance, a small access tube is placed into the fractured vertebra. For kyphoplasty, a tiny balloon is gently inflated to restore height before medical-grade bone cement is injected to stabilize the bone. Vertebroplasty involves direct cement placement without balloon inflation.
Patients are observed briefly and discharged the same day. Most experience noticeable pain relief within 24–48 hours. Some soreness at the access site is normal and typically resolves quickly.
