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My story, Kyphoplasty advice
In 2020 I broke my L1 vertebrae falling off the bed while having a leg cramp and that's when I learned I have osteoporosis. In the following two years I managed to increase my lumbar T-score from -4.6 to -4.0 by doing osteoporosis specific exercises from the Bone Clinic in Australia, and taking supplements. Three weeks ago I had a Dexa scan and my lumbar T-score dropped back to -4.4 and it showed three new, stable compression fractures in the lumbar region which were from shoveling snow early this year. Then, two weeks ago I restarted my osteoporosis exercises after not doing them for 8 months. As a result, I injured my back again with a compression fracture at T7, possibly from jumping jacks.
This morning I visited the surgeon who does kyphoplasty and he recommended the surgery to prevent the compression fracture from worsening into more of a wedge. He also said it would alleviate any pain in the area. I have barely any pain and often no pain, but I don't want another wedge shaped vertebrae. I understand the wedges compound and can damage the entire spine. Additionally, the surgeon mentioned there are 4 studies which disprove the idea that the hardness of cement in one vertebrae can cause other vertebrae to fracture around it. He gave me this article. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38811388/ I am trying to decide if I should do this. If I do the surgery, it needs to be done soon. I appreciate any advice on kyphoplasty.
In addition to having to make the decision on surgery, I now I feel my bones are too fragile to do many of the activities I love, especially bicycling, at least until I can get my bones back on track.
I'm just beginning to read more on osteoporosis and follow discussions here. I very much want to do things naturally but realize perhaps that isn't enough at this stage. I appreciate reading discussions on Osteostrong, Keith McCormick, Dr. Doug Lucas and others.
If anyone has a provider who is an osteoporosis expert they like, and especially one who uses both natural and traditional cures, I would very much appreciate it if you could share that.
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@gently my vertebrae is 75% collapsed - I don't care about height but I would want spine stabilization - so vertebroplasty is what I should get? I'm getting 3 rd opinion now.... I shall see what this Dr says. 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️
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3 ReactionsIt is two years since I posted my story and I'm now 65. I still don't know if I should have done kyphoplasty, but didn't. I have had almost two years on anabolic bone medicine, first Tymlos and then Forteo. The switch was simply a matter of cost. My bones feel strong but my spine has a slight kink in it which makes my body want to curve forward. I have to work on posture to counter this. I am cautious but my bones feel great and I have worked up to being able to jump a little and run a little with no issues. I am bicycling a lot but notice breathing is easier if I really work on my posture. The curved spine makes breathing harder. In 2024 I worried my bones were so soft that kyphoplasty would've created too much of a difference in density to my bones and possibly create fractures. I will never know.
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1 Reaction@bebagar, bone cement is more has a greater likelihood of leaking if the fracture is 70% or greater. If you can a skilled surgeon who is willing, it could be worthwhile.
The advantage of height restoration, (especially with wedge fractures) is that it restores some of the spinal configuration in fracture, which is the bent forward position.
It is really good that you are having a third opinion. Vertebroplasty might be a good option or fusion might advantage you more. I'm sorry to hear about that fracture. They can be so very painful. Best wishes.
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1 Reaction@maggie25 thanks for sharing this.....I too am in a kyphoplasty conundrum - to have done it earlier? To try it now? Glad you're able to run and jump - I'm not a runner, but hope to someday be able to do at least a few jumping jacks without pain. I continue exercising 4 days per week as best I can (strength, chair yoga, drum fitness, cardio).....just gotta keep moving so I don't get depressed about my situation. Good luck to you too!
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3 Reactions@bebagar good for you taking time to get several opinions. It is so difficult making choices like this. I wish you relief from pain and success in whatever you try.
I'm currently -4.8 (working on my bones... trust me!) and have had 4 spinal compression fractures. They were all pretty severe "intermittent" pain for 2-3 weeks... but then slowly subsiding (but still there occasionally ). I had a pain dr. who was VERY passionate (?why) about doing a verteoplasty (or kyphoplasty?) but I wanted a second opinion. I went to a SPINE surgeon at a well known hospital in Dallas who said "No we do not recommend any surgery on the spine unless your pain or injury is substantially interfering with your life." That was enough for me... My posture worries me... working on that as well. But be aware: I suffered a fracture while working out at Osteostrong when the back pad on the weight machine was too hard; also when working with a PhD PT after spending 3 days getting in and out of my sister's very high SUV... Im not blaming anyone just sharing we have to be our own advocate. Blessings to all...
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3 ReactionsI’ve not personally had experience with kyphoplasty, but I can tell you about a 95 year old veteran man that I look after who had it done.
I’m in this group because I have severe osteoporosis. The veteran guy I look after was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis last year after falling and breaking his ankle. He later broke his L1, L2 and L5 and had a compression fracture in his L4 from the ongoing weakening in his spine. He was on the highest dose of dilaudid (opioid drug) for months. The drug made him drowsy, constant constipation, all the side effects. They kept telling him a kyphoplasty would make life better…less pain, less side effects. He did the surgery in December 2025 and was able to get off dilaudid in April 2026. It took four months for his back to “heal” from the kyphoplasty. He’s had a couple more falls, but hasn’t broken any additional bones (knock on wood).
Good luck in your decision making.