Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure for patients immobilized by the painful vertebrae compression fracture. Vertebral body fractures lead to the collapse or compression of a vertebra, causing the spine to shorten and curve. This can result in pain and a kyphotic (hunched-over) deformity. Osteoporosis is the main cause of vertebral compression fractures. Another cause is a pathologic fracture related to spinal. Kyphoplasty is performed under mild sedation anesthesia. Using flouroscopic guidance, two small incisions are made and a probe is placed into the vertebral space where the fracture is located. A specially designed balloon is inserted, inflated with contrast medium until they expand to the desired height and removed. The spaces created by the balloons are then filled with cement, binding the fracture. The cement hardens quickly, providing strength and stability to the vertebra, restoring height and relieving pain.
