Spinal fractures occur when weakened vertebrae collapse under pressure, often due to osteoporosis, injury, or degenerative spinal conditions. The result can be severe back pain, height loss, reduced mobility, and significant limitations in quality of life.
Minimally invasive kyphoplasty is an outpatient procedure designed to quickly reduce pain, restore spinal alignment, and help you return to routine activities.
Read more about kyphoplasty for spinal fractures and why award-winning pain management specialist Dr. John S. Michels in Dallas, Texas, often recommends it.
Spinal fractures are more common than many people realize. They occur when the vertically stacked bones in the spine (vertebrae) crack, fragment, or collapse.
Commonly called compression fractures, these breaks often cause spinal instability that irritates and inflames nearby nerves and reduces mobility.
Some of these fractures are related to injuries sustained during car accidents, falls, and other trauma. But most are linked to osteoporosis, a condition that reduces bone density and weakens the vertebrae.
Kyphoplasty is a targeted procedure that stabilizes fractured vertebrae and restores spinal alignment. Unlike traditional open surgery, kyphoplasty requires only a small incision (usually less than a centimeter) and usually takes less than an hour per vertebra.
Because it is performed on an outpatient basis, patients return home the same day and experience meaningful pain relief within 24-48 hours.
During the procedure, Dr. Michels makes a small incision and inserts a narrow tube into the fractured vertebra, using advanced imaging to ensure accurate placement.
He then guides a small medical balloon through the tube and gently inflates it. This action restores the vertebra’s original height and corrects deformity due to the compression fracture.
Once he removes the balloon, Dr. Michels fills the space it created with medical-grade, quick-drying bone cement. The cement hardens within minutes, stabilizing the vertebra, preventing painful micro-movements, and supporting the spine’s natural structure.
Kyphoplasty offers several significant benefits, making it an attractive option for eligible patients.
For instance, it provides rapid pain relief. Many individuals experience significant improvement following the procedure, with full benefits occurring within 7-10 days.
Additionally, kyphoplasty helps restore spinal alignment and vertebral height. This reduces the hunched posture that often accompanies compression fractures. Along with improving appearance, it helps prevent future strain on surrounding muscles and joints.
Another key advantage is the quick recovery time. Because kyphoplasty is minimally invasive, patients avoid long hospital stays or extended downtime. Most recover enough to do light activities within a day or two and gradually return to their regular routines with Dr. Michels’ guidance.
Compared with traditional surgery, kyphoplasty carries fewer risks and complications, making it a safer option for older adults or those with health concerns that limit surgical choices.
Our team specializes in minimally invasive treatments designed to restore comfort, confidence, and quality of life. But not everyone with a spinal fracture is a candidate for kyphoplasty, so Dr. Michels begins with a thorough evaluation.
Ideal candidates typically have recent vertebral compression fractures confirmed by imaging, ongoing pain despite conservative treatment, and no active infection or uncontrolled medical conditions.
Even if you’re not the perfect candidate for kyphoplasty, Dr. Michels can offer highly effective nonsurgical treatment options that lessen or eliminate pain and enhance mobility.
For back pain solutions that may or may not include kyphoplasty, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Michels today.
