Kyphoplasty in Houston and Humble

Direct answers, no jargon.

If your question isn’t here, ask us at your consultation. We will give you the same answer in plain English.

• Is kyphoplasty safe in older patients?
  In a randomized trial, the rate of adverse events after kyphoplasty was similar to non-surgical care. We screen carefully for bone density, heart health and blood thinner use, and we coordinate with your primary care or oncology team.
• Will the cement migrate?
  Cement migration is uncommon. We deliver the cement under live fluoroscopy in carefully controlled volumes.
• How quickly will the pain go away?
  Studies report many patients notice less pain soon after treatment. Results vary. Stabilizing the fractured vertebra is thought to be one reason pain can improve.
• Will I be taller after the procedure?
  Studies report kyphoplasty can restore some lost vertebral height. Results vary.
• How is kyphoplasty different from vertebroplasty?
  One meta-analysis reports kyphoplasty is associated with more height correction and lower cement-leak rates than vertebroplasty, with similar pain relief. Results vary.
• Can kyphoplasty be done for cancer-related fractures?
  Yes. Kyphoplasty is an established option for painful pathologic compression fractures from multiple myeloma, metastatic disease, and other oncologic causes. We coordinate closely with your oncology team on timing relative to chemotherapy, radiation, and bone-modifying agents.
• What about bone health after the procedure?
  A vertebral compression fracture is a sentinel event for osteoporosis, and the strongest predictor of another fracture is having had one. We do not stop at the procedure. We confirm a bone-health workup is in place and coordinate medication-based osteoporosis treatment with your primary care team or a referral.
• How long does the cement last?
  Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bone cement is permanent. Once set, it provides lasting structural support to the treated vertebra. The vertebra can technically still fracture above or below the treated level, which is why bone-health management afterward is essential.
• Will I need anesthesia?
  Kyphoplasty is performed under local anesthesia with light IV sedation, in our office or surgery center. General anesthesia is not required.
• What if I have multiple fractured vertebrae?
  Multiple-level kyphoplasty is common and often appropriate in a single procedure session, particularly for osteoporotic fractures discovered on the same imaging study. We will confirm with MRI which fractures are acute and contributing to your pain before treating.