Overview
When the bones in the spine fracture, the resulting pain can be incapacitating. Minimally invasive kyphoplasty resolves these painful breaks. Under general anaesthesia and continuous X-ray guidance, a needle is inserted into the fractured vertebra. A balloon is inflated to restore vertebral height, and a cement-like substance is injected into the space. Once the cement hardens, the needles are removed and only a bandage is applied over the puncture marks.
Benefits
- No incisions required — needles puncture the skin only
- No damage to surrounding muscles and nerves
- Minimal to no scarring
- Outpatient procedure with same-day discharge for most patients
- Durable cement prevents post-surgical complications
When it May Not Be Suitable
- Infection in or near the fracture site
- Allergies to surgical materials
- Stable, symptom-free fracture
- Severe spinal instability from osteoporosis
Minimally Invasive vs Open Surgery
| Factor | Minimally Invasive | Open Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Incision size | Small (often 8mm–2cm) | Large |
| Muscle damage | Minimal — muscles separated | More — muscles cut |
| Blood loss | Low | Higher |
| Post-op pain | Less | More |
| Hospital stay | Short (day-care to 1–2 days) | Longer |
| Scarring | Minimal | More visible |
| Return to activity | Faster | Slower |
| Infection risk | Lower | Higher |
Why choose Dr. M.D.S. Sasidharan?
Fellowship-trained spine surgeon (MS Ortho, FASSI) with 5,000+ spinal surgeries
International training: endoscopic spine surgery (Germany) & deformity (Seoul); AO Spine Asia Pacific fellowship
Specialist in endoscopic (keyhole), minimally invasive & non-fusion (VBT) scoliosis surgery
Patient-first: the least invasive option that resolves your problem
Frequently Asked Questions
- Kyphoplasty is minimally invasive and performed through a needle, not an incision. Most patients experience significant pain relief and go home the same day.
Medically reviewed by Dr. M.D.S. Sasidharan, Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant — Spine Surgery, Iswarya Hospital, OMR, Chennai. Outcomes vary by patient — consult for personalised advice.