Balloon Augmented Vertebroplasty, commonly known as kyphoplasty, is a minimally invasive spine procedure used to treat painful compression fractures of the thoracic and lumbar spine. These fractures most often occur due to osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break, even with minor stress or routine activity.
Compression fractures can cause severe back pain, limited mobility, loss of independence, and changes in posture. Kyphoplasty helps stabilize the fractured vertebra, restore structural support, and significantly reduce pain.
How Kyphoplasty Works
Kyphoplasty is performed using real-time fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure accuracy and safety. Through a very small skin incision, the physician places a specialized needle into the fractured vertebra.
A small balloon is then carefully inserted and gently inflated. This balloon helps:
- Create space within the collapsed vertebra
- Restore some of the lost vertebral height
- Prepare the bone for stabilization
Once the space is created, medical-grade bone cement is injected into the vertebra. The cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the fracture and strengthening the bone from within.
We utilize advanced Stryker balloon and vertebral augmentation technology, which allows for controlled balloon expansion and precise cement delivery.
Who Is a Candidate for Balloon Augmented Vertebroplasty?
Kyphoplasty may be appropriate for patients with:
- Painful thoracic or lumbar compression fractures
- Osteoporosis-related fractures
- Persistent pain despite rest, bracing, or medication
- Difficulty walking, standing, or performing daily activities
- A desire to avoid more invasive spine surgery
Early treatment of compression fractures can help prevent prolonged pain, worsening spinal deformity, and loss of mobility.
Minimally Invasive with Rapid Pain Relief
Kyphoplasty is considered a very safe procedure when performed by experienced, image-guided spine specialists. Because it is minimally invasive:
- Only a small incision is required
- There is minimal muscle or tissue disruption
- Many patients go home the same day
- Pain relief often occurs quickly, sometimes within days
Most patients experience a meaningful improvement in comfort and function after stabilization of the fracture.
Restoring Stability and Independence
Osteoporotic compression fractures can create a cascade of problems, including chronic pain, poor posture, and reduced independence. By stabilizing the fractured vertebra, kyphoplasty helps:
- Reduce pain
- Improve mobility and activity tolerance
- Support better posture and spinal alignment
- Lower the risk of ongoing functional decline
Experience and Specialized Training Matter
At Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin, balloon augmented vertebroplasty is performed by double-board-certified physicians in Anesthesiology and Interventional Pain Medicine.
Our physicians have:
- Completed specialized training with Stryker
- Performed thousands of kyphoplasty and vertebral augmentation procedures
- Extensive experience treating osteoporotic and traumatic compression fractures
This level of experience is critical for precise balloon placement, controlled cement delivery, and optimal patient outcomes.
Why Choose Kyphoplasty at Interventional Pain Specialists of Wisconsin?
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- Stabilizes painful spinal compression fractures
- Uses advanced Stryker balloon vertebroplasty technology
- Fluoroscopic image guidance for precision and safety
- Extensive physician experience with thousands of procedures
- Focused on rapid pain relief and restored mobility
Is Balloon Augmented Vertebroplasty Right for You?
If you are suffering from persistent back pain due to a spinal compression fracture—especially related to osteoporosis—balloon augmented vertebroplasty (kyphoplasty) may be an effective treatment option. During your consultation, we will review your imaging, assess your symptoms, and determine whether this procedure is appropriate for your condition.
When fragile bones lead to painful fractures, modern kyphoplasty offers a safe, minimally invasive path to stability, relief, and renewed independence.