Vertebral Compression Fractures

Vertebral compression fractures can occur after a fall or accident. In patients with osteoporosis they can occur with light lifting, twisting, or without any discernable cause. Luckily these fractures can frequently be treated quite easily via percutaneous kyphoplasty. This procedure involves placing a small cannula into the fractured vertebral body. A balloon is then passed through the cannula into the vertebral body and inflated often restoring some of the lost vertebral body height. A very hard acrylic cement is then placed into the vertebral body sealing the fracture and filling the cavity created by the balloon. Many patients feel significant relief almost immediately after the procedure is completed.