What Causes Spinal Compression Fractures?
These procedures treat what doctors call vertebral compression fractures. This means a spinal bone has cracked and collapsed, losing height. Common causes include:
- Osteoporosis. This is by far the most common cause. Osteoporosis makes bones thin and fragile. It affects many people over 50, especially women after menopause. A weakened vertebra can break during normal daily activity.
- Injury. Falls or accidents can fracture the spine, even in healthy bones.
- Tumors. Some cancers weaken spinal bones, making them prone to collapse.
Compression fractures are common. Yet many go undiagnosed, dismissed as ordinary back pain. Left untreated, they can cause lasting pain, a stooped posture, and loss of height. One fracture also raises the risk of further fractures. Getting checked matters.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Kyphoplasty or Vertebroplasty?
These procedures help most when used for the right patient at the right time. You may be a good candidate if:
- You have a recent, painful compression fracture confirmed on imaging.
- Your pain has not improved with rest, bracing, and pain medicine.
- Your pain matches the fracture site found on your scan.
- Severe pain is keeping you in bed or limiting your independence.
We are guided by evidence. Many fractures heal on their own with time and conservative care. That is why our specialists always assess you first and may begin with non-surgical treatment. When pain remains severe or disabling, kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty can offer relief that medicines alone cannot. Your doctor will discuss the benefits, risks, and alternatives honestly, so you can choose with confidence.
What Are the Benefits of These Procedures?
For suitable patients, kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty offer meaningful advantages:
- Rapid pain relief. Many patients report significant relief within 24 to 48 hours.
- A needle-sized opening. No large cut, no stitches, minimal scarring.
- Day procedure. Performed in our day surgery unit, with same-day discharge for most patients.
- Quick return to activity. Most people resume light daily activities within days.
- Stabilised bone. The cement supports the fracture and helps prevent further collapse.
- Less need for strong painkillers. Effective relief can reduce reliance on medication.
- Possible height restoration. Kyphoplasty may partially restore the bone’s height and improve posture.
What Can You Expect During Your Treatment Journey?
Our team organises every step, so you can focus on getting better.
Step 1: Consultation and diagnosis. Your specialist examines you and reviews your symptoms. An MRI or CT scan confirms the fracture and shows whether it is recent. This step ensures the procedure targets the true source of your pain.
Step 2: A clear plan. If a procedure is right for you, we explain everything in plain language: how it works, its benefits, and its risks. We also assess your bone health, because treating osteoporosis is key to preventing future fractures.
Step 3: The procedure. Your treatment takes place in our advanced day surgery unit. You receive local anaesthesia with sedation, or light general anaesthesia, to keep you comfortable. The procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. After a short recovery period, most patients walk out and go home the same day. If your case ever needs a hospital setting, we arrange everything at a carefully selected partner facility and stay involved throughout.
Step 4: Recovery and prevention. Most patients feel real relief within days. We schedule follow-up visits to check your progress. Just as important, we build a plan to strengthen your bones. This may include bone-density testing, medication, nutrition advice, and gentle exercise. Our goal is not just to fix this fracture, but to help prevent the next one.