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Kyphoplasty

A procedure to stabilize a spinal fracture

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes painful vertebral compression fractures with a small amount of bone cement, which can restore some of the vertebra's height and often brings rapid pain relief. Same-day or next-week evaluations across eight LA-area offices.

Kyphoplasty performed by LAOSS specialists in Los Angeles: minimally invasive image-guided orthopedic procedure

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Board-certified surgeons and podiatrists across eight Los Angeles area neighborhoods.

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Key takeaways

  • Kyphoplasty is part of the full diagnostic and treatment toolkit our LAOSS specialists use every day.
  • Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes painful vertebral compression fractures with a small amount of bone cement, which can restore some of the vertebra's height and often brings rapid pain relief.
  • Most patients improve when treatment starts early and is matched to the actual diagnosis.
  • Same-day appointments available across eight Los Angeles-area offices.

About kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is part of the spine & neck care we offer at LAOSS. Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, who benefits from this procedure, what it looks like at our clinics, and the recovery and risk considerations to weigh.

Our specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.

Watch: Kyphoplasty (Balloon Vertebroplasty)

This minimally-invasive procedure repairs a vertebral compression fracture. It helps restore the spine's natural shape. Some patients experience rapid pain relief after the procedure.

Animations licensed from ViewMedica · Swarm Interactive
Anatomical illustration of the spine showing vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and spinal cord
Anatomy of the spine: vertebrae, discs, spinal cord, and nerve roots.

Inside the spine & neck.

The spine has 33 vertebrae stacked in five regions. Discs cushion them; the spinal cord and nerve roots run through the canal.

When kyphoplasty is the right call.

Common symptoms

  • Back pain from a vertebral compression fracture that hasn't responded to first-line care
  • Imaging confirming a structural cause we can target
  • Fracture pain that limits standing, walking, or sleep
  • Patients trying to avoid or delay surgery
  • Failed prior non-surgical attempts

Common causes

  • Adults, most often with osteoporosis, who have a painful compression fracture
  • Patients whose imaging and exam point to a clear structural source
  • Patients who can't have or want to avoid surgery

What kyphoplasty looks like

Most kyphoplasty procedures are done as outpatient cases. You arrive, get prepped, the procedure itself takes a defined window, and you go home the same day with clear post-procedure instructions and a follow-up scheduled.

Here's what you can expect:

  • Pre-procedure visit: we review your imaging, confirm candidacy, and answer every question
  • Day-of procedure: sedation or general anesthesia, X-ray guidance throughout, total time usually 30 to 60 minutes
  • Same-day discharge: most patients go home the same day after a short recovery period, with someone to drive them
  • Follow-up: scheduled to track relief, adjust the plan, and decide on next steps

Spine & neck care, conservative-first.

We start with the least-invasive option that fits, and escalate only when it doesn't.

Conservative care
Step 1

Conservative care first

Non-surgical options designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the OR when possible.

  • Pain medication and a short period of relative rest
  • A back brace for comfort and support
  • Physical therapy once the pain allows
  • Bone density testing and osteoporosis treatment to prevent new fractures
Surgical care
When needed

Surgical options when needed

Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons.

  • Kyphoplasty: a balloon creates space, then bone cement stabilizes the fracture
  • Vertebroplasty: bone cement injected without a balloon
  • Spinal fusion with screws and rods for unstable fractures
  • Decompression surgery when a fracture presses on the spinal cord or nerves

Why experience matters.

Why experience matters

Spine & neck care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you feel six months later.

  • Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
  • Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
  • Technique refined over thousands of cases
  • On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider

The LAOSS approach

Our spine & neck specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.

  • Same-day imaging at most offices
  • PT coordinated in your insurance network
  • Board-certified specialists performing the procedures themselves
  • Direct access to your specialist between visits

Am I a candidate?

If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a spine & neck specialist is the next step.

You may be

You may be a candidate if

These signs typically point toward this procedure being a good fit.

  • Back pain from a compression fracture that hasn't responded to rest, bracing, and pain medication
  • Imaging confirming the structural source we can target
  • An MRI or bone scan showing the fracture is recent and has not healed
  • Pain keeps you from standing, walking, or sleeping
  • You have osteoporosis or another condition that weakens bone
Evaluation

What evaluation includes

Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.

  • Detailed history: onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
  • Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
  • On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
  • Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
  • Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests

ImportantGo to the emergency room or call 911 for loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or weakness in the arms or legs that is getting worse quickly. Seek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, new numbness, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).

Your spine & neck recovery roadmap.

Recovery is rarely a straight line, but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.

  1. Days 0 to 14

    Right after care

    In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the spine & neck, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.

    • Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
    • Ice and pain control as needed
    • Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
    • Follow-up scheduled to track healing
  2. Weeks 2 to 8

    Rehabilitation

    Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the spine & neck.

    • Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
    • Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
    • Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
    • Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
  3. Months 2+

    Long-term care

    Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there, and catching any recurrence early.

    • Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
    • Home program tailored to your sport or job
    • Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
    • Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations

What to weigh before you decide.

We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient. Informed consent is a conversation, not a form.

General

General considerations

Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.

  • Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
  • Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
  • Reaction to anesthesia or medications
  • Need for additional procedures in some cases
Specific

Spine and neck considerations

Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating in the spine & neck. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.

  • Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
  • Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
  • Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
  • Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function

Meet our spine & neck specialists

At LAOSS, our spine & neck specialists are board-certified and treat these problems every day. From minimally invasive techniques to coordinating your rehab, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. We have cared for Los Angeles patients since 2007, with one goal for each: less pain, better movement, and a return to the activities you love.

Specialists, not generalists.

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Reliable kyphoplasty care starts here

With same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles-area offices, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. Whether you need physical therapy, injections, or surgery, we plan it with you and coordinate each step.

Call or schedule online today to see a spine & neck specialist in Los Angeles.

Find care by body area.

Jump to a nearby condition page and compare treatment paths across the body.

FAQ.

  • The right candidate depends on your diagnosis, prior treatments, and goals. We start with a focused orthopedic exam and review your imaging, and your specialist explains whether kyphoplasty is the best next step or whether a different approach makes more sense.

Find out if kyphoplasty is right for you.

Same-day and next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles-area offices. Book a visit and meet your specialist.

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21 specialists · 8 offices
Greater Los Angeles
On-site X-raySame visit
Most insurers acceptedIn-network
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