Kyphoplasty at PHI is performed by board-certified physicians Dr. Faisal Lalani and Dr. Nadiv Samimi in our affiliated surgical suite at 455 N Roxbury Drive, Suite B, Beverly Hills. A minimally invasive procedure for painful vertebral compression fractures, most often caused by osteoporosis, it stabilizes the fractured vertebra and reduces pain, often within 24 to 48 hours.
What Kyphoplasty Is
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that treats vertebral compression fractures, breaks in the bones of the spine that occur when a vertebra collapses under its own weight or from minor trauma. These fractures are most common in patients with osteoporosis, but they also occur with cancer that has metastasized to bone, traumatic injuries, and certain other conditions.
A vertebral compression fracture causes severe localized back pain that often worsens with movement and makes standing or walking difficult. Without treatment, the pain typically resolves over weeks to months as the fracture heals, but the vertebra often heals in a collapsed position, contributing to height loss, kyphosis (rounded upper-back posture), and increased risk of future fractures.
Kyphoplasty addresses both problems. It stabilizes the fracture, which dramatically reduces pain, and it restores some of the lost vertebral height, which can prevent the long-term postural and structural consequences of the fracture.
How the Procedure Works
The procedure is performed in our affiliated surgery center under image guidance and propofol sedation. The physician advances a thin needle through a small access point into the fractured vertebra. A small balloon is inflated within the vertebra, which creates a cavity and partially restores the vertebra’s height. The balloon is removed and bone cement is injected into the cavity, which hardens within minutes and stabilizes the fracture.
The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per vertebra treated. Most patients leave the same day.
Who Is a Candidate
Kyphoplasty is typically appropriate for patients with:
- A vertebral compression fracture confirmed on imaging (typically MRI showing acute or subacute marrow edema in the affected vertebra)
- Significant pain that is inadequately controlled with conservative treatment (rest, bracing, pain medication)
- Pain that has not adequately resolved after a reasonable trial of conservative treatment (typically 2 to 6 weeks for acute fractures)
- Fracture-related pain that significantly limits daily function
The procedure is most effective for fractures that are recent (typically less than 6 to 12 months old) where bone marrow edema is still present on MRI. Older fractures that have completed healing are typically not candidates.
When to Consider Kyphoplasty
For some patients with vertebral compression fractures, conservative treatment is sufficient: pain resolves over weeks, the fracture heals, and no procedure is needed. Kyphoplasty is most useful for patients whose pain is severe, persistent despite conservative treatment, or limiting their ability to function.
The decision to proceed involves balancing the benefit of rapid pain relief and partial height restoration against the surgical risks of any procedure. Your physician will discuss this decision frankly during consultation.
Why Patients Choose PHI for Kyphoplasty
Convenient surgery center
Kyphoplasty requires sedation, image guidance, and a proper procedural environment. PHI physicians perform every kyphoplasty in our affiliated surgery center at 455 N Roxbury Drive, Suite B.
Two board-certified physicians
Treatment is performed by Dr. Faisal Lalani or Dr. Nadiv Samimi, both fellowship-trained at Cedars-Sinai.
Honest evaluation of timing
The most important factor in kyphoplasty success is appropriate timing. Some patients are too early, and their pain may resolve with continued conservative care; some are too late, and the fracture has healed. PHI evaluates timing carefully and recommends the procedure only when it fits.
Coordination with bone-health management
Patients with osteoporotic compression fractures need ongoing bone-health management to prevent future fractures. PHI coordinates with your endocrinologist, primary care physician, or other specialists to ensure your overall fracture risk is addressed.
Concierge, coordinated care
Single-physician continuity from consultation through treatment and return to activity. Patients receive clear guidance and transparent pricing at consultation.
What to Expect
Preparation
Your physician confirms candidacy based on imaging, including MRI to confirm the fracture is acute or subacute. Some medications, including blood thinners, must be paused; you will receive specific instructions.
The procedure
The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes per vertebra under propofol sedation. You will not be fully awake.
Recovery
You rest in our recovery area, and you will need transportation home. Most patients experience meaningful pain relief within 24 to 48 hours.
Return to activity
Activity restrictions for the first week are typically modest. Most patients can resume daily activities, with continued limitations on lifting and high-impact movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients experience meaningful pain relief within 24 to 48 hours of the procedure, though some experience improvement immediately after.
The cement that stabilizes the fractured vertebra remains in place permanently, and the treated vertebra is stable. However, kyphoplasty does not prevent fractures at other vertebrae. Patients with osteoporosis remain at risk for additional fractures and need ongoing bone-health management.
The procedure is performed under propofol sedation. You will not be fully awake.
Kyphoplasty has a strong safety profile. Risks include cement leakage outside the vertebra (uncommon and usually clinically insignificant), bleeding, infection, and the rare risks of any spinal procedure. Your physician will review the full risk profile during consultation.
Most patients can resume daily activities within 1 to 2 days. Heavy lifting and high-impact movement should be avoided for several weeks. Your physician will provide specific guidance.
Kyphoplasty can partially restore height in the treated vertebra, particularly when performed on an acute fracture. It does not reverse posture changes from previously healed fractures. Combined with proper bone-health management to prevent future fractures, it can stop the progression of kyphosis.
Patients with osteoporotic compression fractures are at significant risk for additional fractures elsewhere in the spine, so ongoing bone-health management is essential. Your physician will work with your other doctors to optimize your medication, supplementation, and lifestyle factors to reduce future fracture risk.
PHI is out-of-network with all insurance plans. All costs are disclosed at consultation, with no surprise billing.
Yes. PHI regularly treats patients from outside Los Angeles. Because compression fractures often present acutely, international patients seeking kyphoplasty should contact us promptly to coordinate evaluation and procedure scheduling.