I have had several fractures but only had the kyohoplasty on my last one because I didn't know about the procedure until a few years after my first ones. I had it done on my last vertebrae about 3 weeks after the fracture. I had to have an MRI first and then get on the schedule. My understanding is that you can have the kypho done up to 6 months after the fracture. The pain is gone as soon as the procedure is done and it also prevents loosing height. If I had known about kyphoplasty, I could have saved myself months and months of pain. I did have one complication from the kypho--and this is NOT common. I have scoliosis which made the procedure challenging and my lung was punctured as a result. I fully recovered from that. If I had another fracture, I would not hesitate at all to proceed with a kyphoplasty. It's done outpatient with light anesthesia and you go home the same day although in my case I had to stay in the hospital. This was nearly 10 years ago and I have not had any more fractures since so I don't believe the procedure put any undo stress on my other vertebrae. The pain relief is so worth it.