Kyphoplasty:
Minimally Invasive VCF Treatment
Restore vertebral height, relieve pain, and return to daily life — often within 24 to 48 hours. Our signature procedure for vertebral compression fractures.
Restore vertebral height, relieve pain, and return to daily life — often within 24 to 48 hours. Our signature procedure for vertebral compression fractures.
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure designed to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) — small breaks in the bones of your spine that can cause severe back pain, loss of height, and reduced mobility.
During the procedure, a small balloon is carefully inserted into the fractured vertebra and gently inflated to restore the bone to its original height. Once the space is created, medical-grade bone cement is injected to stabilize the fracture and prevent further collapse.
Unlike open spinal surgery, kyphoplasty requires only a small incision, uses local or light general anesthesia, and typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per vertebral level. Most patients go home the same day with significant pain relief.
From initial consultation to recovery, here's what to expect at every stage of your kyphoplasty treatment at Restore Orthopedics & Spine.
We begin with a thorough evaluation including X-rays or MRI to confirm the fracture, assess severity, and determine if kyphoplasty is the right treatment for your condition.
Our team handles all insurance pre-authorization. We verify coverage, obtain approvals, and coordinate scheduling — typically within days of your consultation, not weeks.
Under light sedation or local anesthesia, a small needle is guided into the fractured vertebra using live X-ray imaging. A balloon is inflated to restore height, then bone cement is injected.
You'll rest in recovery for about an hour following the procedure. Most patients are able to stand and walk within hours, and are discharged the same day.
Significant pain reduction is typically felt within 24 to 48 hours. Many patients report dramatic improvement in mobility and quality of life within the first week.
We schedule a post-procedure follow-up to assess healing and address any concerns. Our team provides guidance on activity levels, bone health, and fracture prevention.
When conservative treatments like pain medication, bed rest, or bracing haven't provided adequate relief, kyphoplasty offers a proven alternative with measurable advantages.
Most patients experience significant pain reduction within 48 hours, compared to weeks or months with bracing alone.
The balloon technique can restore lost vertebral body height, helping correct spinal deformity and kyphosis caused by compression fractures.
Kyphoplasty is an outpatient procedure. No overnight hospital stay required — you go home the same day in most cases.
Only a small incision is needed. No muscle cutting, no hardware implantation, and minimal blood loss during the procedure.
By stabilizing the fracture and reducing pain, patients can return to walking, daily activities, and an active lifestyle within days.
Clinical studies demonstrate 90%+ patient satisfaction rates and significant pain reduction in the vast majority of kyphoplasty patients.
Kyphoplasty is most effective when performed within 8 weeks of a vertebral compression fracture, though it can still help patients with older fractures. You may be a candidate if you experience:
Sudden, severe back pain that worsened after a fall, lifting, or even normal activity
Pain that worsens when standing or walking and improves when lying down
Loss of height or a noticeable forward-leaning posture (kyphosis)
Diagnosed osteoporosis or osteopenia with confirmed vertebral fracture on imaging
Inadequate pain relief from conservative treatments including medication, rest, and bracing
Vertebral fractures from cancer (metastatic disease) or multiple myeloma affecting the spine
Not every compression fracture requires kyphoplasty. At Restore Orthopedics & Spine, our philosophy is preservation over procedure. We always explore conservative options first and only recommend kyphoplasty when it's the right clinical choice for your specific situation.
During your consultation, we'll review your imaging, discuss your symptoms and medical history, and give you a clear, honest assessment of whether kyphoplasty — or another treatment path — is the best option for you.
Our referral-to-procedure timeline is among the fastest in Orange County, with most patients seen within days of referral and procedures scheduled within one to two weeks of consultation.
Call (714) 598-1745Both procedures treat vertebral compression fractures with bone cement, but kyphoplasty includes an additional balloon inflation step that restores vertebral height before cement injection. This can help correct spinal deformity and may reduce the risk of cement leakage compared to vertebroplasty.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per vertebral level treated. If multiple levels are treated in the same session, the total time may be longer. Including preparation and recovery, plan to be at the facility for approximately 3 to 4 hours.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Some patients experience mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two afterward, which is typically managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Most patients experience significant pain relief within 48 hours. Normal daily activities can typically be resumed within 1 to 2 days. Strenuous activities should be avoided for about 6 weeks. Full recovery is typically achieved within 1 to 2 weeks.
Yes, kyphoplasty is covered by most major insurance plans, including Medicare, when medically indicated for vertebral compression fractures. Our team handles pre-authorization to confirm your coverage before the procedure is scheduled, so there are no surprises.
Kyphoplasty is considered very safe with a low complication rate. Potential risks include infection, bleeding, cement leakage, and allergic reaction to anesthesia — all of which are rare. Your surgeon will discuss all risks and benefits during your consultation.
Learn the warning signs, risk factors, and when to seek treatment for spinal compression fractures.
Fellowship-trained, board-certified expertise in kyphoplasty and spinal surgery in Orange County.
Same-day referral processing. Most insurances accepted. We're here to help.
Restore Orthopedics & Spine provides expert kyphoplasty and vertebral compression fracture treatment from our Orange, CA clinic — conveniently located for patients throughout Orange County including Irvine, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Tustin, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Yorba Linda, Brea, Placentia, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, and Laguna Beach, as well as neighboring Los Angeles County communities including La Habra, Whittier, Downey, Cerritos, Long Beach, Lakewood, Norwalk, La Mirada, and Buena Park. We also welcome patients from Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Same-week appointments available. Most insurances and Medicare accepted.