About

Kyphoplasty is often discussed along with vertebroplasty, a separate procedure to repair damaged vertebrae. These are used to treat fractures in the bones of the spine, or vertebrae, and are performed under fluoroscopic guidance.

During a vertebroplasty, a doctor injects a cement-like material into the bone to make it more stable. The doctor first inflates a balloon-like device inside the bone to make space, which is then filled with the cement material.

The procedure may also be done if cancer has damaged a vertebra or vertebrae. Kyphoplasty may make the bone a little taller to make up for the height it loses when compressed. The procedure may also relieve pain. Typically, doctors perform this procedure only after trying other treatments, including wearing a back brace or taking pain medicine.

How It Helps

A kyphoplasty procedure may also be done if cancer has damaged a vertebra or vertebrae. Kyphoplasty may make the bone a little taller to make up for the height it loses when compressed. The procedure may also relieve pain. Typically, doctors perform this procedure only after trying other treatments, including wearing a back brace or taking pain medicine.