Home Spine SurgeryKyphoplasty (Balloon Vertebroplasty) in India

Kyphoplasty (Balloon Vertebroplasty) in India

Minimally invasive procedure using balloon inflation and bone cement to restore vertebral height and stabilize compression fractures

Book Consultation - ₹999 Call Now

Overview

Kyphoplasty, also known as balloon kyphoplasty or balloon-assisted vertebroplasty, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to treat painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer. The procedure involves inserting a balloon into the collapsed vertebra to create a cavity, then filling it with bone cement to stabilize the fracture and restore vertebral height. At Arthoscenter, Dr. Gurudeo Kumar has performed over 300 successful kyphoplasty procedures with a 94% pain relief success rate. Our advanced image-guided technique ensures precise balloon placement and cement injection, providing immediate pain relief and preventing further vertebral collapse. Most procedures are performed under local anesthesia with sedation, allowing same-day discharge. Kyphoplasty offers superior results compared to traditional vertebroplasty by restoring vertebral height and correcting kyphotic deformity (hunched back). The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes per level treated, and most patients experience dramatic pain reduction within 24-48 hours, allowing rapid return to daily activities with reduced dependence on pain medications.

Symptoms & Indications

This surgery may be recommended if you experience:

Sudden, severe back pain after minor fall or trauma (osteoporotic fracture)

Chronic back pain unresponsive to conservative treatment

Pain worsened by standing, walking, or bending

Pain relieved by lying down

Loss of height (progressive vertebral collapse)

Visible kyphosis or "dowager's hump" deformity

Limited spinal mobility and flexibility

Difficulty performing daily activities due to back pain

Multiple compression fractures on spine X-ray or MRI

Tenderness over affected vertebral level on examination

Procedure Details

Duration

30 to 60 minutes per vertebral level treated; multiple levels can be treated in single session

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia with conscious sedation (twilight anesthesia); general anesthesia rarely needed

Preparation for Surgery

Pre-procedure evaluation includes spine X-rays, MRI or CT scan to confirm acute compression fracture and rule out other pathology, blood tests (bleeding profile), ECG. Patient fasts for 4-6 hours before procedure. Blood thinners are temporarily stopped. Informed consent obtained regarding procedure, benefits, and risks including cement leakage.

Surgical Steps

Patient positioned prone (face-down) on fluoroscopy table

Local anesthesia and conscious sedation administered for comfort

Skin and subcutaneous tissues sterilized, small incision(s) made

Under continuous X-ray guidance, hollow needle (trocar) inserted through pedicle into fractured vertebral body

Inflatable bone tamp (balloon) inserted through the trocar into vertebra

Balloon inflated gradually under fluoroscopic control to create cavity and restore vertebral height

Balloon deflated and removed, leaving void space in restored vertebral body

Thick polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement mixed and carefully injected into cavity

Cement monitored under fluoroscopy to ensure proper fill without leakage into spinal canal

Cement allowed to harden (5-10 minutes), instruments removed, incision closed with single stitch or adhesive

Recovery Timeline

What to expect during your recovery journey

Day 1

Immediate Post-Procedure

1-2 hours observation in recovery area. Most patients experience immediate or rapid pain relief. Mobilization within 2-4 hours. Same-day discharge for most patients. Light walking encouraged.

Week 1

Early Recovery

Gradual increase in activity levels. Avoid heavy lifting (>5 kg), bending, twisting. Continue prescribed pain medications as needed (usually minimal). Back brace may be recommended. Follow-up X-ray to check cement position.

Week 2-4

Functional Improvement

Most daily activities resumed with caution. Gentle stretching and walking exercises. Pain significantly reduced compared to pre-procedure. Strengthening exercises may begin. Return to desk work possible.

Month 2-3

Advanced Recovery

Return to most normal activities including light physical work. Physical therapy for core strengthening and posture correction. Treatment of underlying osteoporosis (if present) with medications and supplements.

Month 3-6

Long-term Stability

Full return to pre-fracture activity level. Continued osteoporosis management to prevent new fractures. Regular follow-up to monitor adjacent vertebral levels. Maintain good posture and body mechanics.

Month 6+

Maintenance & Prevention

Sustained pain relief and improved quality of life. Annual spine X-rays to check for new fractures. Continued calcium, vitamin D, and anti-osteoporotic medications. Fall prevention strategies.

Tips for Faster Recovery

Avoid heavy lifting (>5 kg) for first 4-6 weeks to prevent cement displacement

Use proper body mechanics when bending or lifting - bend knees, not spine

Sleep on firm mattress with pillow support for neutral spine alignment

Wear back brace if recommended, especially during activities

Take prescribed osteoporosis medications religiously to prevent new fractures

Ensure adequate calcium (1200 mg/day) and vitamin D (800-1000 IU/day) intake

Perform gentle core strengthening exercises as recommended by physiotherapist

Avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol as they weaken bones

Practice fall prevention: remove home hazards, use assistive devices if needed

Attend all follow-up appointments for monitoring and early detection of new fractures

Report new or worsening back pain immediately as it may indicate new fracture

Maintain healthy weight to reduce stress on spine

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this procedure

Q1.What is the difference between kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty?

Both procedures inject bone cement into fractured vertebrae, but kyphoplasty uses a balloon to create a cavity and restore vertebral height before cement injection, while vertebroplasty directly injects cement into the compressed vertebra. Kyphoplasty can correct some of the height loss and kyphotic deformity, whereas vertebroplasty primarily focuses on stabilization and pain relief without height restoration. Kyphoplasty also has lower risk of cement leakage due to the controlled cavity created.

Q2.How soon will I get pain relief after kyphoplasty?

Most patients experience significant pain relief within 24-48 hours after the procedure, with some reporting immediate improvement even in the recovery room. The bone cement provides instant stabilization of the fracture, eliminating pain caused by vertebral movement. Maximum benefit is typically achieved within 1-2 weeks. Studies show 75-90% of patients achieve substantial pain reduction, allowing reduction in pain medications.

Q3.Am I a good candidate for kyphoplasty?

You may be a candidate if you have: painful vertebral compression fracture confirmed on MRI showing bone marrow edema (indicating acute/recent fracture), failure of conservative treatment (bed rest, bracing, medications) for 2-3 weeks, age >50 with osteoporosis, or cancer-related vertebral fracture. You are not a candidate if fracture is older than 6-12 months, if vertebra is completely collapsed, if there is spinal cord compression requiring decompression surgery, or if you have active infection or bleeding disorders.

Q4.Can kyphoplasty be done for multiple vertebrae at once?

Yes, multiple vertebral levels can be treated in a single session. Dr. Kumar commonly treats 2-3 levels simultaneously. However, the decision depends on patient overall health, fracture locations, and procedure duration tolerance. Some patients may require staged procedures if multiple levels need treatment but cannot tolerate prolonged procedure. Treating multiple levels in one session reduces overall recovery time and hospital visits.

Q5.Will I need to stay in hospital after kyphoplasty?

Most kyphoplasty procedures at Arthoscenter are performed on an outpatient basis with same-day discharge. After the procedure, you will be observed for 1-2 hours in recovery. If pain is well-controlled, you can walk, and there are no complications, you will be discharged home the same day with instructions. Overnight hospital stay is occasionally recommended for patients with multiple levels treated, significant medical comorbidities, or those living alone without home support.

Q6.What are the risks of cement leakage and how serious is it?

Cement leakage occurs in approximately 5-10% of cases but is usually asymptomatic and harmless. The leak is typically into surrounding soft tissues or disc spaces. Serious leakage into the spinal canal causing nerve compression is rare (<1%) with kyphoplasty due to the controlled cavity created by balloon. Dr. Kumar uses continuous fluoroscopic monitoring during cement injection and thick cement consistency to minimize leakage risk. Symptomatic leakage may require additional treatment, but this is exceedingly rare.

Q7.Will kyphoplasty prevent future vertebral fractures?

Kyphoplasty treats the current fractured vertebra but does not prevent new fractures in other vertebrae. In fact, there is a slightly increased risk of adjacent level fractures in the year following kyphoplasty. This is why treatment of underlying osteoporosis is crucial - with calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates or other anti-osteoporotic medications, and lifestyle modifications. Dr. Kumar will coordinate with your physician for comprehensive osteoporosis management to reduce future fracture risk.

Q8.Can the cement cause problems later or need to be removed?

The PMMA bone cement used in kyphoplasty is biocompatible and designed to remain in the body permanently. It does not need to be removed. The cement provides long-term stabilization. However, it does not remodel like natural bone. In very rare cases, cement migration or late displacement may occur, but this is uncommon with proper technique. The cement is visible on X-rays, which allows long-term monitoring.

Q9.How much does kyphoplasty cost at Arthroscenter?

The cost varies based on number of vertebral levels treated (single vs. multiple), type of anesthesia (local with sedation vs. general), hospital charges, and bone cement used. Arthoscenter accepts PMJAY and BSKY insurance which may cover the procedure for eligible patients. We also offer affordable payment plans for self-pay patients. Book a ₹999 consultation with Dr. Kumar for detailed cost breakdown based on your specific condition and number of levels requiring treatment.

Q10.What is the success rate of kyphoplasty at Arthoscenter?

Dr. Gurudeo Kumar has performed over 300 kyphoplasty procedures with a 94% pain relief success rate. Most patients experience 60-80% reduction in pain scores and significant improvement in mobility and quality of life. Our complication rate is <2%, with cement leakage being the most common minor complication. We use state-of-the-art fluoroscopic guidance and high-viscosity cement to ensure safety and efficacy. Patient satisfaction rate is over 92%.

Considering This Surgery?

Book an online video consultation with Dr. Gurudeo Kumar for just ₹999 and get all your questions answered

Book Consultation Now +91 72580 65424

Arthoscenter