Treatments · Vertebral Augmentation
SpineJack
An implantable titanium vertebral augmentation system, mechanically restoring vertebral height before cement is added to stabilize a compression fracture — an alternative to balloon kyphoplasty.
What it involves
Like kyphoplasty, SpineJack treats a painful vertebral compression fracture by restoring height and stabilizing the bone with cement. The difference is in how that height is restored: rather than an inflatable balloon, a small titanium implant is placed into the fractured vertebral body and mechanically expanded to push the collapsed bone back toward its original height, holding that position while the surrounding cavity is filled with bone cement.
The titanium implant stays in place permanently, providing structural support in addition to the cement — a difference in device design and technique from kyphoplasty, with the same overall goal of restoring height and stabilizing the fracture.
How it works
Mechanically expanding a titanium implant, rather than an inflatable balloon, gives more direct, controlled force for restoring vertebral height — which can be an advantage in certain fracture patterns where a balloon alone may not achieve as much height restoration. The implant remaining in place afterward adds structural support that a balloon-created cavity, filled with cement alone, doesn't provide.
The choice between SpineJack and kyphoplasty comes down to the specific fracture pattern and Dr. Foster's judgment about which device is likely to achieve the best height restoration and stability for that particular fracture — both share the same goal and the same general procedure.
How We Build Your Plan
The clinical reasoning behind this recommendation
What's the diagnosis?
Correlating the onset and location of pain with imaging — an MRI showing bone marrow edema confirms a fracture is acute and likely the source of current pain, distinguishing it from an old, already-healed fracture.
What's the mechanism?
A titanium implant is mechanically expanded within the fractured vertebral body to restore height before cement is added, providing structural support in addition to the cement itself.
What are the options?
Bracing, pain management, and osteoporosis treatment for fractures expected to heal on their own; SpineJack or kyphoplasty for painful vertebral body fractures needing augmentation, with the specific device chosen based on the fracture pattern.
Why this approach?
Dr. Foster selects between SpineJack and kyphoplasty based on which device is likely to achieve the best height restoration for a given fracture pattern — both accomplish the same underlying goal through different mechanical approaches.
What are the tradeoffs?
SpineJack's mechanical height restoration can be an advantage for certain fracture patterns, and the implant provides additional structural support — but as with kyphoplasty, it isn't the right fit for every fracture, and it doesn't address the underlying osteoporosis driving future fracture risk.
What to Expect
Often rapid relief, with a short recovery
SpineJack is typically done as an outpatient or short-stay procedure under sedation or light anesthesia, taking roughly 30 to 60 minutes per level treated — similar in scope and timing to kyphoplasty. Many patients notice significant pain relief within a day of the procedure.
Walking is generally encouraged soon after, and most patients return to normal daily activity within days to a couple of weeks, depending on overall health and bone density.
Conditions This Treats
Conditions this treatment addresses
For more information about SpineJack, visit the manufacturer's official resource: Stryker SpineJack System.
Recently diagnosed with a compression fracture?
Timing matters with this procedure. Reach out to schedule a consultation.