Spine · Vertebral augmentation

Kyphoplasty & vertebral augmentation in Canada

Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment for vertebral compression fractures, using the Stryker AVAflex™ balloon system to restore vertebral height before targeted cement delivery — with less surgical trauma than open fusion. Consultations with our fellowship-trained neurosurgeon in 1–3 days, with surgery typically 2–4 weeks later. Most patients are discharged the same day, many experience pain relief within hours to days, and return to light activities is typically within days.

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Most patients home same day
Balloon-assisted height restoration
Surgery in 2–4 weeks
No referral required

Physiotherapist guiding an older patient through rehabilitation exercises

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Minimally invasive option

The procedure

What is kyphoplasty?

Vertebral compression fractures occur when the bones of the spine become weakened and collapse, often due to osteoporosis or trauma. These fractures can cause severe back pain, loss of height, and a stooped posture (kyphosis).

Balloon vertebral kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat these painful fractures. During the procedure, a balloon is carefully inserted into the fractured vertebra and inflated to create space, then bone cement is injected to stabilize the fracture and support the weakened bone.

Who may benefit from kyphoplasty

Osteoporotic compression fractures
Traumatic vertebral fractures
Painful fractures unresponsive to rest
Vertebral fractures from metastatic cancer

Kyphoplasty is often performed as an outpatient procedure or with a short hospital stay, offering many patients rapid pain relief and early return to daily activities.

Surgical technology

Stryker AVAflex™ balloon system.

Precision instrumentation designed for targeted cement delivery and reduced surgical trauma.

Less invasive approach

Smaller gauge size helps reduce soft tissue and/or bone trauma compared to conventional systems

Curved introducer with PEEK sheath

Protects the balloon during insertion and allows targeted placement with directional markings

Targeted cement delivery

Curved needle enables precise cement placement, with depth markings for 15, 20, and 30mm balloons

11G system

Available in 11-gauge size for an optimal balance of access and minimal tissue disruption

Stryker AVAflex™ Vertebral Balloon System

Precision instrumentation designed for targeted cement delivery and reduced surgical trauma during vertebral augmentation.

Surgical technique

Step-by-step procedure.

A minimally invasive, image-guided approach typically performed under local or general anesthesia.

1

Insert needle

Insert the AVAflex® needle with the radiopaque introducer into the vertebral body
2

Remove needle

Remove the AVAflex® needle, leaving the introducer in place
3

Place balloon

Place the AVAflex® vertebral balloon system down the introducer
4

Expose balloon

Expose the balloon by retracting the introducer

5

Inflate balloon

Inflate the balloon to create space and restore height
6

Deflate & remove

Deflate the balloon, then remove the introducer and deflated balloon simultaneously
7

Deliver cement

Prime the AVAflex® curved needle with bone cement, insert into the vertebral body, and fill with cement

Key benefits of the AVAflex™ system

Smaller gauge reduces tissue trauma
Curved needle for targeted delivery
PEEK sheath protects the balloon
Depth markings for accurate placement

Your surgeon

Our spine specialist.

Fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with expertise in minimally invasive spine procedures.

Dr. Eric Massicotte, MD, FRCSC

Minimally invasive spine neurosurgery · UofT Associate Professor

Dr. Massicotte is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon and Official Surgeon of the Toronto Argonauts with expertise in complex spinal conditions and minimally invasive techniques.

Fellowship-trained spine neurosurgeon
Associate Professor, University of Toronto
20+ years of experience in complex spine surgery
Official Surgeon of the Toronto Argonauts

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions.

Kyphoplasty is primarily used to treat vertebral compression fractures caused by osteoporosis, trauma, or certain cancers that have spread to the spine. It may also be used for painful fractures that haven't healed with rest and conservative treatment.

Kyphoplasty typically takes about 30-60 minutes per vertebra treated. Many patients are able to go home the same day or after a short observation period. The actual time depends on the number of vertebrae being treated and individual patient factors.

Many patients experience significant pain relief within hours to days of the procedure. You may be up and walking within a few hours. Most patients can return to normal daily activities within a few days, though lifting heavy objects should be avoided for several weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines based on your situation.

Both procedures involve injecting bone cement into a fractured vertebra. The key difference is that kyphoplasty uses a balloon to first create a cavity within the bone, which may help restore some vertebral height and allows the cement to be injected at lower pressure. This may reduce the risk of cement leakage.

No referral is required. You can book a consultation directly with our spine specialist to discuss whether kyphoplasty is appropriate for your condition. Recent imaging (MRI, CT, or X-ray) showing the fracture is helpful but not mandatory—we can arrange imaging if needed.