Procedure · Thoracic or lumbar spine
Kyphoplasty
A minimally invasive procedure for selected painful vertebral compression fractures — stabilizing the fracture from within.
What it is
Kyphoplasty is performed through a small working channel placed into the fractured vertebra. A small balloon creates space within the compressed bone, then medical bone cement is placed to stabilize the fracture. There is no open incision and no spinal instrumentation.
The procedure is designed for fractures that are painful and mechanically unstable, not for chronic healed fractures that no longer drive symptoms.
When it may be considered
Kyphoplasty is reserved for selected painful vertebral compression fractures. The age and type of fracture, the pain pattern, bone health, and other possible causes of the pain are all assessed before considering the procedure. Most stable fractures begin with pain control, protected activity, early safe mobility, and bone-health treatment.
What to discuss at consultation
- Goals: stabilize a painful, active fracture and improve the ability to move comfortably.
- Alternatives: nonoperative fracture care and osteoporosis treatment — the first step for most fractures.
- Recovery: typically brief; many patients resume activity quickly once the immediate soreness settles.
- Risks: cement leakage, incomplete pain relief, adjacent fractures in weakened bone, and the individual risks of the procedure.
Initial consultation or second opinion?
Bring your imaging and your questions. Dr. Choi will review your diagnosis, walk through your options, and tell you plainly whether surgery is the right next step — and if not, what is.