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By Brent Compton, MD
Avertebral compression fracture can be a life-altering event. Whether caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or a related condition, these fractures result in significant pain, reduced mobility, and a diminished quality of life. At the Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Compton offers kyphoplasty — a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive procedure that can restore vertebral height, stabilize fractured bone, and dramatically reduce pain, often within days of treatment.
What Is a Vertebral Compression Fracture?
The spine is composed of individual bones called vertebrae, which provide structural support for the entire body. A vertebral compression fracture occurs when one or more of these bones collapse or crack, typically in the thoracic (mid-back) or lumbar (lower back) region. Compression fractures are most commonly associated with osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bone density over time and makes bones more susceptible to fracture — sometimes from something as routine as a cough, sneeze, or minor fall.
Symptoms often include sudden onset of sharp back pain, limited spinal flexibility, loss of height over time, and a stooped posture. In severe cases, multiple fractures can compress the spinal cord or nerves, leading to radiating pain, numbness, or weakness. Left untreated, vertebral compression fractures can worsen progressively and lead to chronic disability.
What Is Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to treat painful vertebral compression fractures. Unlike traditional open spine surgery, kyphoplasty is performed through small incisions using specialized instruments and real-time imaging guidance, making it safer and allowing for a much faster recovery.
During kyphoplasty, Dr. Compton inserts a hollow needle into the fractured vertebra using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance. A small device is then carefully inserted inside the vertebra. This device creates a cavity within the collapsed bone allowing a pathway for bone cement to flow which critically helps stabilize the vertebral fracture thus alleviating pain and risk for future fracture at that level. The bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA), which hardens rapidly and stabilizes the fracture. The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour per vertebral level treated.
Benefits of Kyphoplasty
Kyphoplasty offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for appropriate candidates. Pain relief is often immediate and significant — many patients report a dramatic reduction in back pain within 24 to 48 hours of the procedure. By restoring the height of the collapsed vertebra, kyphoplasty can also correct spinal deformity, improve posture, and reduce the hunched appearance (kyphosis) that frequently results from untreated compression fractures.
The minimally invasive nature of the procedure means patients typically spend less time in the hospital — often going home the same day or the following morning. Recovery is considerably shorter than traditional surgery, and most patients are able to return to their daily activities within a few days. Improved mobility and reduced pain also allow patients to participate more fully in physical therapy and rehabilitation, which is essential for long-term spinal health.
Who Is a Candidate for Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is most effective when performed on relatively recent fractures — ideally within several weeks to a few months of the injury. Ideal candidates are patients who have not experienced adequate relief from conservative treatments such as bed rest, pain medications, or bracing. Dr. Compton conducts a thorough evaluation, which may include imaging studies such as MRI, CT scan, or X-rays, to determine the age and severity of the fracture and whether kyphoplasty is the most appropriate intervention.
Patients with osteoporosis-related fractures, cancer-related vertebral fractures, or trauma-induced compression fractures may all be candidates. However, kyphoplasty is not suitable for everyone. Dr. Compton will carefully review each patient’s medical history, overall health status, and imaging results to ensure the procedure is both safe and likely to be effective.
Your Care at the Interventional Pain Institute
At the Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Compton is committed to providing personalized, compassionate care using the most advanced pain management techniques available. From your initial consultation through your recovery, our team will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. We believe that effective pain management is about restoring quality of life — and kyphoplasty is one of the most powerful tools available to achieve that for patients suffering from vertebral compression fractures.
If you or a loved one is experiencing back pain that may be related to a spinal compression fracture, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Compton today. Early intervention leads to better outcomes, and you don’t have to live in pain.
Contact the Interventional Pain Institute to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward lasting relief.
At The Interventional Pain Institute, each patient’s pain is thoroughly evaluated and a customized treatment plan is developed. Dr. Compton and his team are dedicated to treating every patient with the utmost respect and care, with a mission to help patients regain functionality and improve their quality of life.
The Interventional Pain Institute also places a strong emphasis on patient education. An informed patient is an empowered patient, and the team strives to provide as much information as possible about each patient’s condition and treatment options.
With offices conveniently located in The Villages and Ocala, Florida, The Interventional Pain Institute is an excellent choice for those suffering from chronic or acute pain. Under the care of Dr. Brent Compton, patients can find not just relief, but also a renewed sense of hope for a pain-free future. Experience the difference at The Interventional Pain Institute today.
The Interventional Pain Institute
352-350-6500 | www.IPIMED.com
11974 CR 101, Ste 102, The Villages, FL 32162
1715 SE 28th Loop, Ocala FL
