Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat vertebral compression fractures. When a vertebral body fractures, the bone becomes compressed, causing pain. Compression fractures may involve the collapse of more than one vertebra, and are a common result of osteoporosis. Vertebrae may also become weakened by cancer.
During vertebroplasty, doctors use image guidance to inject a cement mixture into the fractured bone using a hollow needle. During kyphoplasty, a balloon is inserted into the fractured bone using a hollow needle to create a cavity. The cement is injected into the cavity after the balloon is removed.
These procedures are generally used to treat painful compression fractures in the spine, most often the result of osteoporosis. Usually, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are performed after other less invasive treatments have been ineffective. These procedures can also be performed on patients who:
- Have vertebral compression due to a malignant tumor
- Are elderly or frail and will have impaired bone healing
- Suffer from osteoporosis due to steroid treatment or metabolic disorder
