The symptoms of vertebral compression fractures, which indicate a need for Kyphoplasty are:

• Back pain

• Loss of height

• Difficulty in twisting or bending the body

• Pain that becomes worse on standing or walking, and becomes better on lying down

• A stooped or curved spine 

• Digestive problems

• Constipation

• Weight loss 

• Poor appetite

• Hip pain

• Breathing problems
  

1. Physical examination: The doctor will evaluate the symptoms of the patient. The family history and medical history of the patient are also evaluated.
2. Spinal x-ray: It helps in determining if the vertebra has collapsed.
3. CT scan: It is an imaging test that provides details of the fractured bone and the nerves around it.
4. MRI scan: It is an imaging test that helps in obtaining details of the nerves and the nearby disks.
5. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA): It is an imaging test done to measure bone strength or density.
6. Bone biopsy: A small portion of the bone is excised and sent to the laboratory to check if the fracture is caused due to cancer.

• The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis (the patient goes home on the same day of the procedure).
• The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, in which the area of needle insertion is numbed, or general anesthesia, in which the patient is put to sleep during the procedure. General anesthesia is used when the patient has extreme pain due to a spinal compression fracture.
• The patient lies face downwards to expose the spine. 
• The area of needle insertion is shaved, cleaned, and sterilized.
• The skin and muscles are numbed using a local anesthesia injection (if the procedure is not performed under general anesthesia).
• A needle is inserted through the skin into the fractured vertebra. Real-time x-ray guidance is used to place the needle in its proper position.
• A balloon is inserted through the needle and inflated for creating a cavity in the vertebra.
• The balloon is then withdrawn and a medical-grade cement is injected into the vertebra.
• The needle is then removed.
• The cement normally hardens within 15 to 20 minutes.
• The procedure is repeated for each fractured vertebra.
• X-rays or CT scans are taken after the completion of the injections.
• The procedure takes less than an hour to complete.

The complications associated with Kyphoplasty are:

• Allergic reaction to anesthetic agents
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Increased back pain
• Leakage of cement into the spinal canal (where the spinal cord is situated)
• Blood vessel damage
• Nerve damage
• Tingling sensation or numbness due to nerve damage
• Paralysis (rare)

• Some people may get immediate relief from pain after the procedure, while others may get relief two to three days after the procedure.
• One may experience increased back pain or pain at the site of injection for some hours after the procedure.
• Ice pack application and pain-relieving medications can help in relieving the soreness in the back.
• The patient needs to lie flat for approximately one hour after the procedure to allow the cement to harden completely.
• You will most likely go home on the same day of the procedure. However, in certain cases, an overnight stay in the hospital may be necessary.
• You will need to be on bed rest for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
• You will most likely be able to resume your daily activities the next day after the procedure.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for six weeks after the procedure.

Contact the doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms after the procedure:

• Fever
• Bleeding
• Weakness
• Numbness
• Pain that cannot be controlled by pain-relieving medications
• Inability to move a certain part of the body