My father had an operation called a balloon kyphoplasty last month. He’s better, but still complaining of back pain. Can this operation be done more than once?

Balloon kyphoplasty is used to repair fractures of the vertebra in the spine. Most of these are compression fractures caused by aging bone and osteoporosis. Bone loss weakens the structure. The pressure of daily movement can be too much causing the bone to break. Compression fractures can be extremely painful and disabling.

The operation involves placing an inflatable device into the bone. The bone is restored to its previous shape and height and filled with bone material.

Some patients do have more than one fracture. These can be treated all at one time, or in two or more stages. Sometimes, testing doesn’t show all of the fractures present. By completing a balloon kyphoplasty, the doctor can see how much pain relief the patient gets. If symptoms persist, further testing may be needed. A second, or even third, balloon kyphoplasty is an option.