Kyphoplasty is a new, minimally invasive procedure used to treat osteoporotic compression fractures of the spine. These fractures are very common in patients with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes weakening of the bones which leads to fractures that occur without an apparent injury. The bones collapse into a wedge shape and can lead to a round back or hunched posture.

Kyphoplasty is performed in the hospital with a general anesthetic. The procedure takes less than an hour to perform, and you go home the next day. The procedure consists of a very small incision in the skin that allows your surgeon to insert a balloon in the collapsed vertebra to create a cavity in the fractured vertebra. The balloon is inflated, creating the cavity, and then removed. The cavity is then filled with a special bone cement that stabilizes the fracture. Most patients report significant pain relief, improved quality of life, and the ability to participate in their regular activities.