A sudden spinal fracture can be life-altering, especially if you’re older or living with osteoporosis. These vertebral compression fractures often cause sharp back pain, a hunched posture, and reduced mobility. Thankfully, modern techniques like kyphoplasty offer a minimally invasive solution with fast pain relief and structural support.
At London Spine Health, we provide advanced spinal care, including kyphoplasty, for patients suffering from acute spinal fractures. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a vertebral compression fracture or are struggling with persistent spinal pain, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to stabilise spinal compression fractures. It involves inserting a small balloon into the collapsed vertebra, inflating it to restore height, and then filling the cavity with a special medical cement to harden and stabilise the bone.
It is most commonly used to treat fractures caused by:
Osteoporosis
Spinal trauma or injury
Metastatic spinal tumours
Long-term steroid use leading to bone weakening
This procedure is often performed as a day case or with an overnight stay, and patients usually experience immediate or rapid pain relief.
How Is Kyphoplasty Performed?
The procedure takes around 30–60 minutes per fracture level and is performed under local or general anaesthesia.
Steps include:
A small incision is made in the back.
A needle is inserted into the fractured vertebra under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance.
A balloon is inflated to create space and restore vertebral height.
Bone cement is injected into the cavity to stabilise the fracture.
The incision is closed with a small bandage — no stitches required.
Since the approach avoids cutting through muscle and uses only small tools, recovery is significantly faster compared to traditional open surgery.
Who Is a Candidate for Kyphoplasty?
You may be suitable for kyphoplasty if:
You’ve been diagnosed with a vertebral compression fracture
Your pain is severe, sudden in onset, and localised
You have not responded to rest, bracing, or pain relief
Imaging (MRI or CT) shows recent vertebral collapse
You’re looking for a less invasive, quicker recovery option
This procedure is especially helpful for older adults with osteoporosis or cancer-related spinal fractures.
Benefits of Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty has become a preferred option for treating spinal fractures due to its high success rate and patient-friendly approach. Benefits include:
Rapid pain relief (often within 24–48 hours)
Restored vertebral height and alignment
Improved mobility and posture
Prevention of further spinal deformity
Short recovery time – most patients walk the same day
Minimally invasive – small incisions and low risk of infection
At London Spine Health, kyphoplasty is performed with image-guided precision to ensure accuracy and safety.
Risks and Considerations
As with any procedure, kyphoplasty carries minimal risks, which may include:
Infection at the injection site
Bleeding or allergic reaction
Cement leakage (rare with modern techniques)
Adjacent vertebral fractures (due to continued bone weakness)
To reduce these risks, our team will thoroughly assess your medical history, imaging, and bone health before recommending the procedure.
Kyphoplasty vs Conservative Treatment
Conservative treatment for spinal fractures includes pain relief, rest, physiotherapy, and bracing. However, these methods can take weeks or months to provide relief — and some patients never regain full function.
Kyphoplasty is often recommended when:
Pain is severe and limits daily activity
The fracture is new and has visible vertebral collapse
You’re unable to tolerate long periods of immobility
You wish to avoid long-term medication or bracing
Why Choose London Spine Health?
Performed by leading consultant spine surgeon Mr Irfan Malik
Access to same-day imaging and diagnosis
Advanced technology for minimally invasive spine care
Convenient location on Harley Street, London
Individualised care plans for recovery and long-term spine health
We combine world-class expertise with a personalised approach — ensuring that every patient receives the safest and most effective treatment.
Book a Kyphoplasty Consultation
If you’re struggling with back pain from a recent fracture or have been diagnosed with osteoporosis-related spinal collapse, kyphoplasty could be the solution.
Call +44 20 7390 6000
Or book your appointment online today with London Spine Health.
