How do I know if I have a compression fracture?

Sudden-onset mid or upper back pain in an older adult, often without a clear injury, is a common presentation. The pain is typically sharp, worse with sitting and standing, and better lying flat. X-ray or MRI confirms the fracture and whether it is recent or older.

Is kyphoplasty covered by Medicare?

Kyphoplasty is covered by Medicare when criteria are met — typically a recent fracture confirmed on imaging, pain that has not resolved with conservative measures, and the fracture occurring at a level accessible to the procedure. Call (805) 557-7050 and we will verify your specific coverage.

How quickly does pain improve after kyphoplasty?

Many patients notice meaningful improvement within one to three days. The bone cement stabilizes the fracture, which removes the motion pain that makes compression fractures so disabling. Results vary and not every patient experiences rapid relief, but when the procedure is indicated the response is often faster than with conservative management alone.

Is there a risk to adjacent vertebrae after kyphoplasty?

There is a known association between vertebral augmentation and subsequent fractures at adjacent levels — an area of ongoing research. This is part of the candidacy conversation, and it is also why treating the underlying osteoporosis matters as much as treating the fracture.

Kyphoplasty for Vertebral Compression Fractures — Thousand Oaks, CA

Q: What is a vertebral compression fracture?

A vertebral compression fracture occurs when a vertebral body — the bony block that makes up the front part of a spinal segment — collapses partially under load. In older adults this most commonly happens because osteoporosis has weakened the bone, sometimes from a minor event like coughing, bending, or a small fall.

What kyphoplasty does

It stabilizes the fracture. The pain comes from the motion — removing the motion removes the pain.

A vertebral compression fracture hurts because the broken bone moves. Every time you sit, stand, or breathe, the fractured vertebra shifts slightly — and each shift sends a pain signal. Kyphoplasty fills that space with bone cement, stopping the motion.

Before the cement is placed, a small balloon is inflated inside the collapsed vertebra to create space and, where possible, restore some of the lost height. This is what distinguishes kyphoplasty from vertebroplasty — the balloon step reduces the risk of cement leakage and may partially restore the vertebra's original shape.

The procedure is performed under image guidance through a needle — no incision, no fusion, nothing permanently implanted. You go home the same day.

Kyphoplasty vs. conservative management

Waiting is a choice with consequences.

For some patients, compression fractures do improve with rest, pain medication, and a brace over several weeks. For others — particularly those with severe pain, significant collapse, or multiple fractures — conservative management means weeks of reduced activity that decondition the muscles, increase fall risk, and can lead to additional fractures.

Conservative management

Kyphoplasty

Weeks of pain, often managed with medications that cause sedation and fall risk in older adults

Pain relief typically within 1–3 days as the cement stabilizes

Bed rest weakens surrounding musculature, increasing fall risk

Earlier mobility reduces deconditioning and fall risk

Vertebral height loss is permanent once the bone heals in a collapsed position

Balloon step may partially restore height before cement is placed

Subsequent fractures still possible — underlying osteoporosis is not addressed by either approach

Same — osteoporosis treatment is a separate and equally important step

Kyphoplasty is appropriate for recent, painful fractures — not fractures that have already healed in place. Imaging that shows bone marrow edema (seen on MRI) confirms the fracture is still acute. Older, healed fractures are not candidates for this procedure, though the pain they cause may be addressable in other ways.

What happens

About an hour. You go home the same day.

Step 01 · Before

Imaging review & authorization

We review your MRI or CT to confirm the fracture is recent, identify the levels involved, and handle any authorization your plan requires. Bring your imaging to the evaluation appointment.

Step 02 · The procedure

Needle, balloon, cement

Performed at a surgical center with sedation. Under X-ray guidance, a needle is placed into the fractured vertebra. A small balloon is inflated to create space and restore height. Bone cement is injected and hardens within minutes. The needle is removed. No incision. Usually one to three vertebral levels per session.

Step 03 · After

Home the same day

You rest briefly at the center, then go home with a driver. Back soreness for a day or two is normal. Most patients are mobile the same day. We schedule follow-up to confirm the result and address the underlying osteoporosis.

Treating the cause — not just the fracture

Kyphoplasty fixes one fracture. It doesn't prevent the next one.

The most important thing that determines whether you have another compression fracture is the strength of your bones — not whether you've had this procedure. Osteoporosis treatment, fall prevention, and vitamin D and calcium management are as much a part of the plan as the procedure itself.

If you don't have a physician managing your osteoporosis, we will discuss that at follow-up and help coordinate it with your primary care physician. Treating the fracture without treating the bone density that caused it leaves the next vertebra at the same risk.

Common questions

What patients ask about kyphoplasty

What is a vertebral compression fracture?

A partial collapse of the bony block that forms the front part of a vertebral segment. In older adults it usually happens because osteoporosis has weakened the bone — sometimes from a minor event like a cough or a small stumble. Many patients don't recall an injury at all.

How do I know if I have one?

Sudden mid or upper back pain that is significantly worse sitting and standing, and better lying flat, in an adult over 60 is the classic presentation. X-ray often shows the collapse, and MRI confirms whether the fracture is recent. Bring any prior imaging to the appointment.

How quickly will pain improve?

Many patients notice meaningful relief within one to three days as the cement stabilizes the fracture. Some take a week or two. A minority do not get the relief they hoped for — no procedure works for everyone, and we discuss realistic expectations beforehand.

Is it covered by Medicare?

Kyphoplasty is covered by Medicare when criteria are met — typically a recent fracture on imaging, significant pain, and conservative measures that haven't adequately helped. Call (805) 557-7050 and we'll verify your coverage and handle any authorization your plan requires.

Will I need to do this again?

The treated vertebra won't fracture again — bone cement is durable. The risk is new fractures at adjacent vertebrae, which is a real consideration and part of why osteoporosis treatment matters after the procedure. If a new fracture occurs at a different level and it is recent and painful, kyphoplasty at that level can be considered again.

If you or a family member has sudden severe back pain — especially after 60 — don't wait weeks to have it evaluated.

A compression fracture treated early responds better than one that has been resting for months. Call and we'll arrange imaging review and an evaluation.

(805) 557-7050

Kyphoplasty carries risks including cement leakage, infection, bleeding, and new fractures at adjacent vertebrae. Results vary between patients. This page is general education, not medical advice. You are entitled to a clear explanation of risks, alternatives, and the option to seek a second opinion before proceeding.

A vertebral fracture from osteoporosis is not something you wait out.