Kyphoplasty

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Kyphoplasty is a procedure to fix broken vertebrae.

How do I prepare for the procedure?

• Your healthcare provider will tell you how to prepare. He or she may tell you not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of the procedure. Arrange to have someone drive you home when you are discharged.
• Tell your provider about all medicines you currently take. He or she will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the procedure, and when to stop. He or she will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of the procedure.
• You may need blood tests before your procedure. You may also need x-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI of your spine.

What will happen during the procedure?

• You may be given general anesthesia to keep you asleep and free from pain. Local anesthesia may instead be injected into your back. It is used to numb the area and dull the pain. You may still feel pressure or pushing during the procedure.
• Your healthcare provider will make a small incision over your broken vertebrae. A balloon will be inserted near the broken vertebrae and inflated to make a pocket. The balloon will be removed and bone cement will be injected into the pocket. The hardened cement will help keep your broken vertebrae together so it can heal.
• A bandage will be placed over the procedure site. Your healthcare provider may do an x-ray or CT scan to check for any leaks.

What should I expect after the procedure?

You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When your healthcare provider sees that you are okay, you will be taken to your hospital room.

• You will lie flat until the cement fully hardens.
• Medicine may be given to prevent or relieve pain.

What are the risks of kyphoplasty?

You may have an allergic reaction to the bone cement. Your nerves and spinal cord may be damaged. Spinal cord damage may cause you to leak spinal fluid. This can cause paralysis. You may be bruised or get an infection after the procedure. Vertebrae that are near the procedure area may break. Cement may leak into your spinal cord, kidneys, and blood vessels. Cement leaks may travel into your lungs and brain. This can be life-threatening.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

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Before your procedure:

• Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
• An IV is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
• Anesthesia is medicine to make you comfortable during the procedure. Healthcare providers will work with you to decide which anesthesia is best for you.
  • General anesthesia will keep you asleep and free from pain during procedure. You may get anesthesia through your IV. You may instead breathe it in through a mask or a tube placed down your throat. The tube may cause you to have a sore throat when you wake up.
  • Local anesthesia is a shot of medicine put into your back. It is used to numb the area and dull the pain. You may still feel pressure or pushing during the procedure.
• Medicines:
  • Antibiotics help prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  • A sedative helps you stay calm and relaxed if you have local anesthesia.

During your procedure:

• Your healthcare provider will make a small incision over your broken vertebrae. A balloon will be inserted near the broken vertebrae and inflated to make a pocket. The balloon will be removed and bone cement will be injected into the pocket. The hardened cement will help keep your broken vertebrae together so it can heal.
• A bandage will be placed over the procedure site. Your healthcare provider may do an x-ray or CT scan to check for any leaks.

After your procedure:

You will be taken to a room to rest until you are fully awake. Healthcare providers will monitor you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed until your healthcare provider says it is okay. When your healthcare provider sees that you are okay, you will be taken to your hospital room.

• You will have to lie flat until the cement fully hardens.
• Medicine may be given to prevent or relieve pain.

RISKS:

You may have an allergic reaction to the bone cement. Your nerves and spinal cord may be damaged. Spinal cord damage may cause you to leak spinal fluid. This can cause paralysis. You may be bruised or get an infection after the procedure. Vertebrae that are near the procedure area may break. Cement may leak into your spinal cord, kidneys, and blood vessels. Cement leaks may travel into your lungs and brain. This can be life-threatening.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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