Question

How is a kyphoplasty done to treat spinal compression fractures?

Answer 1

This surgery corrects the bone deformity and relieves the pain from spinal compression fractures. During the procedure:

• A tube is inserted through a half-inch cut in your back and into the damaged vertebrae. X-rays help ensure the accuracy of the procedure.
• A thin catheter tube -- with a balloon at the tip -- is guided into the vertebra.
• The balloon is inflated to create a cavity in which liquid bone cement is injected.
• The balloon is then deflated and removed, and bone cement is injected into the cavity.
• The cement mixture hardens in about 10 minutes.