Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
When a vertebral compression fracture leaves you hunched forward in pain, unable to stand tall or move comfortably, kyphoplasty offers hope for restoring both your posture and quality of life. This minimally invasive procedure can dramatically reduce pain while helping you regain the height and alignment that compression fractures steal away.
At NeuroSpine Plus, Dr. Edward Scheid combines over 20 years of surgical experience with proven techniques to deliver kyphoplasty outcomes across New Jersey. Our comprehensive spine procedures focus on minimally invasive approaches that get you back to your normal activities faster, with less pain and shorter recovery times than traditional surgical methods.
What Is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that treats painful vertebral compression fractures by inflating a balloon inside the collapsed vertebra to restore its height, then filling the cavity with bone cement to stabilize the fracture and relieve pain.
During this kyphoplasty procedure, Dr. Scheid creates a small pathway into the fractured vertebra and inserts a special balloon device. The balloon is carefully inflated to restore the vertebra’s normal height and create a cavity for bone cement. Once the balloon is removed, medical-grade cement fills the space, stabilizing the fracture and providing immediate pain relief. This approach not only addresses pain but also helps restore spinal alignment and prevent further collapse of the affected vertebra.
The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per vertebra treated, and most patients experience significant pain reduction within 24 to 48 hours. Unlike traditional spine surgery, kyphoplasty requires only tiny incisions and can often be performed under conscious sedation.
Conditions Treated with Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty treats several conditions that cause vertebral fractures and spinal instability.
Vertebral Compression Fractures
The primary indication for kyphoplasty is vertebral compression fractures that cause significant pain and functional limitations. These fractures occur when the front portion of a vertebra collapses, creating a wedge-shaped deformity that can lead to a hunched posture known as kyphosis.
Osteoporosis causes the majority of these fractures, particularly in postmenopausal women and elderly patients. As bone density decreases, vertebrae become fragile and may fracture from minor trauma or even routine activities like coughing or lifting light objects.
Cancer-Related Spinal Fractures
Kyphoplasty also effectively treats vertebral fractures caused by metastatic cancer or multiple myeloma. Cancer can weaken vertebral bones, making them susceptible to painful compression fractures that significantly impact quality of life during treatment. Dr. Scheid works closely with oncology teams to provide coordinated care that addresses both the underlying cancer and the painful spinal complications that may arise during treatment.
How Is the Kyphoplasty Procedure Performed?
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Before your kyphoplasty procedure, Dr. Scheid conducts a thorough evaluation, including imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment approach. Most patients undergo the procedure in our outpatient surgical facility, allowing you to return home the same day.
You’ll receive detailed pre-operative instructions, including guidelines about medications, eating, and what to expect during recovery. Our team ensures you feel comfortable and well-informed throughout the entire process.
The Surgical Process
During kyphoplasty, you’ll be positioned face-down on the operating table while Dr. Scheid uses real-time X-ray guidance to precisely locate the fractured vertebra. After administering local anesthesia and conscious sedation, he creates a small incision and inserts a narrow tube called a trocar through the back of the vertebra. A special balloon tamp is then inserted through the trocar and carefully inflated within the collapsed vertebra. This inflation helps restore the vertebra’s normal height and corrects spinal deformity while creating a cavity for the bone cement.
Once optimal height restoration is achieved, the balloon is deflated and removed. Medical-grade bone cement is then injected into the cavity under low pressure, stabilizing the fracture and providing immediate structural support.
What Are the Benefits of Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty offers numerous advantages over traditional treatments for vertebral compression fractures.
Dramatic Pain Reduction
Most patients experience dramatic pain reduction within days of the procedure, often eliminating the need for long-term pain medication use.
Minimally Invasive
The minimally invasive nature of kyphoplasty means smaller incisions, reduced tissue trauma, and faster healing compared to open surgical approaches. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a few weeks, and many return to work within a few days of the procedure.
Height Restoration
Height restoration is another significant benefit, helping patients regain their natural posture and preventing the progressive spinal deformity that often accompanies untreated compression fractures. This improvement in alignment can enhance breathing, digestion, and overall quality of life.
Reduces the Risk of Future Fractures
The procedure also reduces the risk of future fractures in the treated vertebra by providing stable support and preventing further collapse. This long-term stability helps patients maintain their independence and active lifestyle.
Recovery and Results After Kyphoplasty
Recovery from kyphoplasty is typically rapid and straightforward. Most patients experience immediate pain relief and can walk within hours of the procedure. You’ll be monitored for a short period before being discharged home with detailed recovery instructions.
During the first few days after kyphoplasty, you may experience mild discomfort at the incision site, which resolves quickly with over-the-counter pain medications. Dr. Scheid provides specific guidelines about activity restrictions and gradual return to normal functions.
Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your healing progress and address any questions or concerns. Most patients report significant improvements in pain levels, mobility, and overall quality of life within the first week following treatment.
Schedule Your Kyphoplasty Consultation at NeuroSpine Plus
Dr. Scheid’s training in minimally invasive spine procedures makes NeuroSpine Plus a trusted choice for kyphoplasty treatment in New Jersey. With over 8,000 successful surgeries and 20 years of focused experience, he brings precision and care to every procedure. Our dedicated team understands that spinal fractures can be frightening and debilitating. We provide compassionate care and comprehensive support throughout your treatment journey, ensuring you feel confident and well-informed at every step.
At NeuroSpine Plus, we maintain advanced surgical facilities equipped with the latest imaging technology and surgical instruments across six convenient New Jersey locations. Don’t let vertebral compression fractures control your life. Contact NeuroSpine Plus today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward pain relief and restored spine health.
Kyphoplasty FAQ
The recovery process for kyphoplasty is based on your health and procedure complexity. A member of our team will contact you within the first 48 hours of your procedure to monitor your progress. Your initial post operative appointment will be scheduled within two weeks of your surgical date. A member of our team is always available to answer questions or address your concerns during your recovery period.
A vertebroplasty procedure involves an immediate injection of bone cement into your fractured vertebral bone. A kyphoplasty uses an inflatable balloon to create a cavity for the bone cement. A combination of these procedures can be performed to optimize the stability of the affected vertebral body.
All surgical procedures have an inherent level of risk associated with them. With the kyphoplasty procedure performed by our board-certified neurosurgeons, the risks are rare. All risks and benefits associated with undergoing kyphoplasty are discussed at length with our board-certified neurosurgeons prior to proceeding with your procedure.
If you believe you may be a candidate for a kyphoplasty procedure, call our office today to book your consultation at (201) 399-3388.
Schedule an Appointment
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
Last updated: March 3, 2026The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across six convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical expertise in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice.