Balloon kyphoplasty at Spire St Anthony's Hospital

Minimally invasive surgery to treat fractures in the spine.

Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment for vertical compression fractures (VCFs). The spine (or backbone) is made up of bones called vertebrae, which are linked together. A VCF occurs when the front of a vertebra (known as the vertebral body) fractures and collapses, often causing pain and increasing the risk of further fractures. Over time, some people also lose height or their spine can become curved.

It usually takes about an hour to treat each fracture and balloon kyphoplasty can be carried out under local or general anaesthetic. During the procedure, surgeon inserts two small balloons into the affected bone(s) and inflates them to return the vertebra to as close to its normal height as possible. After deflating and withdrawing them, he or she will inject a special cement to stabilise the fracture.

Why you might need it

Many spinal vertical compression fractures (VCFs) are caused by osteoporosis, a disease which causes the bones to become more brittle and liable to break more easily. Fractures can also occur as a result of some types of cancer.

Many people recover from VCFs through a combination of rest, pain-killing medication and spinal support, but this is not always the case.

Balloon kyphoplasty uses an orthopaedic balloon to return the vertebra to as close to its normal height as possible, and aims to stabilise the fracture, restore alignment within the spine and reduce pain.

Balloon kyphoplasty usually involves a one night stay in hospital. It is sometimes performed using general anaesthetic which means you will be asleep throughout the procedure and will feel no pain. It is also sometimes performed using local anaesthetic which means you will be awake but the area will be completely numb.

How much does Balloon kyphoplasty cost at Spire St Anthony's Hospital




Who will do it?





Before your treatment



We will talk to you about what you can reasonably expect in terms of pain relief and restoring any height lost as a result of the vertebral fracture or fractures in your back.

Together you'll decide whether you can be booked straight in for the procedure.

Preparing for your treatment





The procedure

We understand that having surgery can be a time of anxiety and worry. Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there for you to answer your questions and offer reassurance and support.

You may be given a local anaesthetic which means you’ll be awake but you shouldn’t feel any pain. In some cases a general anaesthetic is used so that you are asleep during the operation.

Once your back is feeling numb, your surgeon will insert two very small balloons into the fractured bone. They’ll inflate the balloons to return the bone to its normal shape and position. The balloons will be deflated and withdrawn.

Your surgeon will then use a hollow needle to inject bone cement (a synthetic resin) into the affected part of the spine. This will harden within 20 minutes and help to stabilise the affected bone, reducing deformity and pain.

The surgery takes around an hour (per fracture treated).



You may be able to go home on the day but sometimes will need to stay the night - particularly if you’ve had a general anaesthetic. Your surgeon may visit you to discuss the outcome of your operation and to assess how much your back pain has been reduced.

Your recovery

You should follow your surgeon’s advice about driving, returning to work, and resuming your usual physical activities – most people are able to gradually resume normal activities once they have been discharged from hospital. You should not drive until you feel you could do an emergency stop without discomfort.

How your loved ones can help

You should ask a friend or relative to pick you up from the hospital and if you live alone ask them to stay the next day to help with light chores.

You shouldn’t engage in strenuous activity (even some of the heavier housework chores or lifting heavy shopping bags) for 6-8 weeks so you might want to talk to them about how they can help you during that time – particularly if you live alone.

Looking after you

Even after you’ve left hospital, we’re still looking after you every step of the way. When you leave hospital we’ll provide you with relevant information and painkillers.


Typically, your consultant will want to see you six weeks after your treatment to see how you’re doing.

As with all medical treatments complications can occur but most people are unaffected. Potential complications of balloon kyphoplasty are excessive bleeding, infection, leaks of the bone cement used during the procedure or new fractures. You'll be given a contact number for the hospital.


Why choose Spire?


Important to note


How to get to us


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Spire St Anthony's Hospital,

801 London Road

Main Switchboard:  020 8337 6691

Self-pay treatment enquiries:  020 8335 4646

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