Kyphoplasty for Painful Spinal Compression Fractures
Balloon kyphoplasty is vertebral augmentation for a painful spinal compression fracture — often after osteoporosis or a fall. If back pain started suddenly, request a consultation with Dr. John Smirniotopoulos to review whether this outpatient spine fracture treatment is a fit.
Typically outpatient, with light sedation rather than general anesthesia
The procedure
Kyphoplasty for a collapsed vertebra
A balloon helps restore height; specialized cement stabilizes the vertebra — without an open spine operation. It is one option among spine treatments at Full Motion Joint and Spine. It is not the same as fusion, and it is not a promised result.
Not an open spine operation
Not laminectomy. Chronic endplate ache without a fracture may need basivertebral nerve ablation instead.
MedStar procedures
Done in the MedStar hospital setting. Visit flow is on the Locations page.
Request a consult
Request a consultation so candidacy is decided in person — not from this page.
The fracture
Sudden or persistent pain after a vertebral compression fracture
An osteoporotic fracture or a collapsed vertebra can cause sudden, severe back pain. Kyphoplasty is discussed when imaging confirms a treatable compression fracture — not every chronic backache.
The balloon
Balloon kyphoplasty and cement through a small puncture
Through a small puncture, a balloon gently restores the collapsed vertebra's shape, then cement is placed to stabilize it. Some people compare kyphoplasty vs vertebroplasty at consult — the plan is set in person.
Candidacy
A consult if pain followed a fall or height loss
People ask about kyphoplasty after a fall, a cough fracture, or a report of a compression fracture. Dr. John Smirniotopoulos decides candidacy in person — not from this page.
Often discussed at consult
- Painful spinal compression fracture confirmed on imaging
- Pain that followed a fall, lift, or height loss
- Interest in outpatient vertebral augmentation instead of a large operation
Candidacy is confirmed in person — not from this page.
Not every MRI of “degeneration”
Old, healed fractures or pain from another structure may not be a kyphoplasty target.
New bowel or bladder loss, fever with back pain, or inability to walk after trauma needs urgent care — not this page.
The visit
Your kyphoplasty visit, start to finish
Before you arrive
Imaging review of the fracture. Simple prep. See Locations.
The day of treatment
Outpatient puncture, balloon, and cement under imaging. Arrange a ride home.
Going home
Typically same-day discharge when the visit goes as planned.
Follow-up
Many people feel meaningful relief within a day. Timelines still vary. No rate is quoted here.
Afterward
Recovery after kyphoplasty
This is not fusion recovery. Activity limits are given after the visit. If kyphoplasty is not the match, options include bracing, medical bone care, or another spine option.
Care led by
Dr. John Smirniotopoulos
Kyphoplasty is performed by a dual board-certified interventional and diagnostic radiologist, Associate Professor of Radiology at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, fellowship-trained in vascular and interventional radiology (2020). Credentials are on the About page.
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Dual board-certified Interventional & Diagnostic Radiology
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American Board of Radiology
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Associate Professor of Radiology MedStar Georgetown
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Society of Interventional Radiology SIR
Before you book
Kyphoplasty questions we hear at consult
What is balloon kyphoplasty?
It is vertebral augmentation: a balloon helps restore height, then cement stabilizes a painful compression fracture. Results vary.
Is kyphoplasty an outpatient spine fracture treatment?
Yes. It is typically outpatient with same-day discharge when the visit proceeds as planned.
How is it different from vertebroplasty?
Both place cement. Kyphoplasty uses a balloon first. Which tool fits is decided at consult — not from this page.
Is this for chronic backache without a fracture?
Usually no. Chronic endplate pain without a collapse may be a BVNA conversation instead.