Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that stabilizes a fractured or compressed vertebra, reduces back pain, as well as restores height and spinal alignment. When a vertebra fractures, the usual rectangular shape of the bone becomes compressed and distorted, causing pain. These compression fractures, which may involve the collapse of one or more vertebrae in the spine, are a common symptom and result of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that results in a loss of normal bone density, mass and strength, leading to a condition in which bones are increasingly porous or full of small holes and vulnerable to breaking. Vertebrae can also become weakened by cancer.
In Kyphoplasty, balloons are used to gently elevate the fractured vertebrae in an attempt to return it to the correct position. The balloon creates a void or a cavity that is then filled with a special cement to prevent further collapse. Kyphoplasty can be performed in patients who have severe pain requiring hospitalization or conditions that limit bed rest and medications.