Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty
Vertebroplasty/Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to treat a fracture in your vertebra. The goal of this procedure is to reduce pain by stabilizing the bone and restoring some or all of the vertebral body height that was lost due to the compression fracture. The procedure is performed by using continuous x-ray imaging to place a hollow needle through the skin and into the vertebra. A special balloon is then inserted through the tube and into the vertebra. The balloon is slowly inflated which creates space in the vertebra. Then, a cement-like mixture is injected, allowing restoration of height, alignment, and ultimately, pain relief. Many patients will feel relief right aways but for others, it may take a few days.