A spinal fracture can be life-changing. For many patients, even simple movements like standing, walking, or bending become painful and difficult. These fractures often occur in the vertebrae due to osteoporosis, trauma, or tumors, and if left untreated, they may lead to worsening pain, spinal deformity, or loss of mobility.

Two common treatments—kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty—are minimally invasive procedures designed to stabilize fractured vertebrae and restore function. At California Sports & Spine Institute (CSSI), we specialize in these advanced techniques to help patients regain quality of life.

What Is Vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is a procedure in which medical-grade bone cement is injected directly into the fractured vertebra. The cement hardens quickly, stabilizing the bone, relieving pain, and preventing further collapse.

Best for: Stabilizing recent fractures

Benefits: Rapid pain relief, minimally invasive, short recovery time

Limitations: Does not restore lost vertebral height

What Is Kyphoplasty?

Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty but includes an extra step. Before injecting the cement, a small balloon is inserted and inflated inside the fractured vertebra. This helps restore some of the lost height and corrects spinal alignment before the cement is applied.

Best for: Fractures that have led to height loss or spinal curvature

Benefits: Pain relief, stabilization, partial height restoration, improved posture

Limitations: Slightly more complex than vertebroplasty, though still minimally invasive

Key Differences Between the Two

Vertebroplasty focuses on stabilizing the fracture to relieve pain.

Kyphoplasty does the same but also attempts to restore vertebral height and correct deformity.

Both are performed under local anesthesia or light sedation and typically take less than an hour per vertebra. Recovery is quick—most patients return home the same day and notice improvement within days.

Who Is a Candidate?

You may be a candidate for one of these procedures if you have:

Painful spinal compression fractures that don’t improve with conservative treatment

Fractures caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer-related weakening of the bone

Limited mobility and quality of life due to spinal pain

At CSSI, we carefully evaluate each patient using imaging and diagnostic testing to determine the best option for their unique situation.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Living with a spinal fracture can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. At California Sports & Spine Institute, Dr. Maxim Moradian and his team provide advanced spine stabilization procedures, including kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty, to help patients return to the activities they love.

We proudly serve patients at three convenient locations:

Arcadia – 51 N. 5th Ave Suite B, Arcadia, CA 91006

Glendale – 317 S Brand Blvd Suite A-104, Glendale, CA 91204

Palmdale – 41210 11th Street West, Suite K, Palmdale, CA 93551

Call us today at (818) 338-6860 or (626) 460-1096 to schedule your consultation and learn which treatment may be right for you.