Open Surgery
- Kyphoplasty
- No
Condition
Vertebral Compression Fracture Treatment
Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty — Advanced, Minimally Invasive Spine Fracture Treatment at Buffalo Vascular Care
Overview
Living with a painful spinal compression fracture doesn't have to mean weeks or months of debilitating back pain.
At Buffalo Vascular Care, our board-certified interventional radiologists specialize in minimally invasive kyphoplasty, an advanced image-guided procedure that stabilizes acute/subacute fractured vertebrae, relieves pain, and helps patients return to normal activities often within days.
By the numbers
- Americans affected
- 44M
- Have osteoporosis
- 10M
- Are women
- 80%
- Vertebral fractures / year
- 700K
Osteoporosis or low bone density
What Is a Vertebral Compression Fracture?
What Is a Vertebral Compression Fracture?
A vertebral compression fracture (VCF) occurs when one or more bones in the spine (vertebrae) collapse or crack because they have become weakened.
The most common cause is osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to gradually lose strength and become fragile. Less commonly, compression fractures may occur from trauma or cancer involving the spine.
Because osteoporotic bones are fragile, fractures can occur during routine daily activities, including:
- Bending over
- Lifting a light object
- Twisting your back
- Sneezing or coughing
- A simple slip or fall
Without treatment, acute/subacute compression fractures may lead to chronic pain, progressive spinal deformity, loss of height, and reduced mobility.
Symptoms
Common Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden, severe back pain
- Pain that worsens when standing or walking
- Pain that improves when lying down
- Gradual loss of height
- Rounded or stooped posture ("dowager's hump")
- Difficulty walking or performing daily activities
- Reduced independence due to pain
Understanding Osteoporosis
Understanding Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is known as the "silent disease" because it often causes no symptoms until a fracture occurs.
Healthy bones constantly rebuild themselves. As we age, bone is lost faster than it is replaced, leaving bones thin, weak, and more likely to fracture.
By the numbers
Osteoporosis by the Numbers
- 44 million Americans have osteoporosis or low bone density.
- Nearly 10 million Americans have osteoporosis.
- 80% of affected patients are women.
- Osteoporosis causes more than 1.5 million fractures annually, including approximately 700,000 vertebral compression fractures every year.
Risk factors
Who Is at Risk?
- Female gender
- Age over 50
- Caucasian and Asian
- Thin or small body frame
- Postmenopausal status
- Family history of osteoporosis
- Low calcium or vitamin D intake
- Long-term corticosteroid use
- Long-term anticonvulsant medications
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Lack of exercise
- Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia
- Loss of menstrual periods (amenorrhea)
Diagnosis
How Are Compression Fractures Diagnosed?
Our physicians perform a comprehensive evaluation that may include:
- Physical examination
- Spine X-rays
- MRI
- CT scan
- Bone density (DEXA) scan
MRI is particularly valuable because it identifies recent fractures, which are treated with kyphoplasty.
Conservative Treatment
Conservative Treatment
Many compression fractures improve with non-surgical treatment.
Initial management may include:
- Pain medications
- Activity modification
- Back bracing
- Physical therapy
- Osteoporosis treatment
When pain persists despite conservative care, kyphoplasty provides significant relief.
Treatment
Kyphoplasty & Vertebroplasty
Effective Treatment Without Open Surgery
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to stabilize painful vertebral compression fractures in the acute to subacute phases.
Treatment Overview
| Procedure | Kyphoplasty |
|---|---|
| Open Surgery | No |
| Procedure Time | 1 Hour |
| Anesthesia | Mild IV Sedation + Local Anesthesia |
| Hospital Stay | None. Done Outpatient |
| Pain Relief | Many patients improve within 24–48 hours |
| Recovery | Return home the same day |
Procedure Time
- Kyphoplasty
- 1 Hour
Anesthesia
- Kyphoplasty
- Mild IV Sedation + Local Anesthesia
Hospital Stay
- Kyphoplasty
- None. Done Outpatient
Pain Relief
- Kyphoplasty
- Many patients improve within 24–48 hours
Recovery
- Kyphoplasty
- Return home the same day
The procedure
How the Procedure Works
Using advanced live X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), one of our interventional radiologists places a specialized needle through a tiny skin puncture directly into the fractured vertebra.
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty
A small balloon (bone tamp) is inserted into the vertebra and gently inflated to:
- Lift the collapsed bone
- Create a cavity for bone cement
- Potentially restore some vertebral height
The balloon is then removed, and medical-grade bone cement is injected into the cavity where it hardens within minutes, stabilizing the fracture.
Comparison
Kyphoplasty vs. Vertebroplasty
Both procedures stabilize fractured vertebrae with bone cement. Kyphoplasty uses a balloon to create space and may restore some vertebral height before the cement is placed, while vertebroplasty injects cement directly into the fractured bone.
| Kyphoplasty | Vertebroplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| Balloon Used | Yes | No |
| Bone Cement | Yes | Yes |
| Height Restoration | Often Partial | — |
| Sedation | Local + Conscious Sedation | — |
| Outpatient Procedure | Yes | — |
Balloon Used
- Kyphoplasty
- Yes
- Vertebroplasty
- No
Bone Cement
- Kyphoplasty
- Yes
- Vertebroplasty
- Yes
Height Restoration
- Kyphoplasty
- Often Partial
- Vertebroplasty
- —
Sedation
- Kyphoplasty
- Local + Conscious Sedation
- Vertebroplasty
- —
Outpatient Procedure
- Kyphoplasty
- Yes
- Vertebroplasty
- —
Benefits
Benefits of Treatment
Patients commonly experience:
- Rapid pain relief
- Improved mobility
- Better posture
- Less dependence on pain medication
- Prevention of additional vertebral collapse
- Same-day discharge
- Return home within hours to days
- Improved quality of life
Most patients report significant pain relief within 24–48 hours, although some experience improvement immediately following the procedure.
Candidacy
Am I a Candidate?
You may be a candidate if you have:
- A painful vertebral acute/subacute compression fracture
- Osteoporosis-related fractures
- Compression fractures caused by trauma
- Certain fractures caused by metastatic cancer
- Persistent pain despite medications or bracing
Recent fractures generally respond best to treatment, making early evaluation important.
During your procedure
Bone Biopsy During Your Procedure
A bone biopsy is performed during the same procedure using the same needle access to determine the cause of the bone weakness.
This allows diagnosis and treatment in a single outpatient visit, eliminating the need for a separate biopsy procedure.
Recovery
Recovery
Patients return home the same day.
Many patients:
- Walk within hours
- Experience significant pain relief within 24–48 hours
- Resume light daily activities within several days
Why BVC
Why Choose Buffalo Vascular Care?
At Buffalo Vascular Care, our experienced interventional radiologists are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art, minimally invasive treatments that help patients avoid open surgery whenever possible.
When you choose Buffalo Vascular Care, you receive:
- Expert evaluation by physicians specializing in image-guided procedures
- Advanced outpatient treatment in a comfortable setting
- Personalized care tailored to your condition
- Collaboration with your primary care physician and specialists
- Comprehensive management of osteoporosis and vertebral compression fractures
- Convenient locations throughout Western New York
Common Questions
Frequently asked questions
Is kyphoplasty considered surgery?
No. Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive image-guided procedure performed through a tiny skin puncture. No large incision or open spine surgery is required.
Will I be asleep?
Most patients receive mild IV sedation combined with local anesthesia and remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
Most procedures are completed in 1–2 hours, depending on the number of vertebrae being treated.
How quickly will I feel better?
Many patients experience significant pain relief within 24–48 hours, while some notice improvement immediately after the procedure.
What is the difference between kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty?
Both procedures stabilize fractured vertebrae with bone cement. Kyphoplasty uses a balloon to create space and may restore some vertebral height before the cement is placed, while vertebroplasty injects cement directly into the fractured bone.
Does insurance cover treatment?
Most Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance plans cover kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty when medically necessary for a confirmed painful vertebral compression fracture. Our office will verify your benefits before your procedure.
Do you treat Canadian patients?
Yes. Buffalo Vascular Care welcomes Canadian patients seeking kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty. Our Depew office is conveniently located near the border, and our team can assist with self-pay scheduling and treatment options.
Related
Learn more
Procedure
Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty / Vertebroplasty are effective minimally invasive procedures which treat fractures of spinal vertebra usually caused by osteoporosis.
Procedure
Vertebroplasty
Kyphoplasty / Vertebroplasty are effective minimally invasive procedures which treat fractures of spinal vertebra usually caused by osteoporosis.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you are experiencing persistent back pain after a fall, lifting injury, or have been diagnosed with a vertebral compression fracture, our team is here to help. Request a Consultation or Call Buffalo Vascular Care today to learn whether kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty may be right for you.
Most insurance accepted