Vertebral augmentation procedure usually using a balloon before cement injection into a fractured vertebra.
Understanding the approach
Kyphoplasty usually introduces a balloon into a fractured vertebra to create a cavity that is then filled with cement. It aims to stabilize a painful fracture and may restore some lost height. It does not reconstruct an intervertebral disc.
Indications and assessment
A recent unhealed fracture causing substantial persistent symptoms may justify specialist discussion. Assessment identifies the cause of the fracture, its stability and agreement with the pain pattern. Suspected tumour or neurological involvement changes the reasoning and investigations required.
Benefits, limitations and precautions
Benefits are not uniform, and height restoration does not guarantee a better outcome for each patient. The procedure is not routine for every fracture. Cement leakage, embolization, infection and nerve injury are relevant risks. Comparisons with vertebroplasty and conservative care depend on the population studied.
Place in the care pathway
TAGMED does not perform kyphoplasty. When vertebral fracture is suspected, local mechanical treatments should await appropriate assessment. Follow-up also addresses osteoporosis, fall prevention and a progressive return to everyday activities.
Goals should be practical: walking farther, returning to a chosen activity or reducing symptoms that interfere with sleep. Improvement immediately after an intervention does not establish lasting benefit. Follow-up compares function with the starting point, records adverse effects and considers progress between appointments. An inadequate response should prompt a review of the clinical explanation or proposed approach, rather than an automatic extension of the same treatment.
Before starting, describe the outcome you want, treatments already tried and difficulties encountered. Ask how the response will be measured and when another option would be preferable. Available reports complement the discussion without replacing your current experience, priorities or preferences.
A balloon procedure still requires discussion of cement leakage and whether conservative fracture care remains appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
How does it differ from vertebroplasty?
Kyphoplasty adds a cavity-creation step, often using a balloon.
Will full height be restored?
No. The result depends on the fracture and its age.
Does it treat osteoporosis?
No. Management of bone fragility remains necessary.
Can it treat every kyphotic curve?
No. Deformity alone is not the indication.
When should assessment not wait?
Severe pain after trauma or associated weakness requires prompt medical evaluation.
Conceptual diagram of clinical reasoning; not an anatomical drawing to scale.
Role of TAGMED care
This entry describes a medical or specialist option; it does not mean the intervention is performed at TAGMED. The clinic can discuss how its conservative services might fit into coordinated care, considering prescribed treatment, reports and specialist restrictions. Medication should not be stopped or changed on the basis of this page.
Medical references
- ACR — RSNA. Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty.
- NICE. Percutaneous vertebroplasty and percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty for treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (TA279).
References document the topic; their inclusion does not imply endorsement of TAGMED services by those organizations.
Educational information from The Spine Page. This entry does not replace an individual assessment. Documentary version: October 12, 2026. Sylvain Desforges, B.Sc., D.O., N.D., osteopath and naturopath.
TAGMED clinic contact details
For non-urgent consultations and information about available services.
Clinique TAGMED — Terrebonne
1150, rue Lévis, Suite 200
Terrebonne (Québec) J6W 5S6
450‑704‑4447
Clinique TAGMED — Montréal
1140, avenue Beaumont
Mont-Royal (Québec) H3P 3E5
1‑877‑672‑9060