Vertebral Compression Fracture — Vertebral Augmentation Post-Op (Kyphoplasty / Vertebroplasty)

Brigham and Women's Hospital · Dept. of Rehabilitation Services

Weight-Bearing

Mobility per patient tolerance from POD 1; early ambulation encouraged; no strict WB restrictions

Key Restrictions

Caution applying resistance with severe osteoporosis; may not be indicated for recently fractured patients; precaution with spinal ROM per physician orders; monitor for adjacent level fractures; DEXA scan to guide osteoporosis management; fall prevention critical; Genat grading: Grade 1 (20-25% height loss), Grade 2 (25-40%), Grade 3 (>40%)

Timeline & Phases

Inpatient phase + outpatient follow-up; phased progression from pain/edema management to functional strengthening; time based on individual presentation and fracture severity

Notes

BWH Standard of Care; 2011; covers kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty (minimally invasive surgical procedures, NOT conservative management); Genat semiquantitative grading system included; 5-year survival rate for VCF patients 61% vs 76% age-matched peers; primary osteoporosis (postmenopausal) and secondary osteoporosis covered; extension exercises preferred over flexion; paraspinal strengthening + dynamic proprioceptive training; fall prevention education; DEXA scan recommended; outcome tools: VAS, QUALEFFO; note: for non-operative VCF management, see NASS CPG in CPG tab — discrete phased PT protocols for conservative VCF management are uncommon in the literature. [Archived copy — original Brigham and Women's Hospital URL retired in the Mass General Brigham site migration; Wayback snapshot 2026-04-20.]

Surgeon / Author

Dept. of Rehabilitation Services

Published

2011