Kyphoplasty is a minor surgical procedure that is designed to alleviate back pain caused by spinal compression fractures which commonly occur with advancing age and following trauma. The goal of this procedure is to stabilize the spinal vertebral body and to restore vertebral body height. Kyphoplasty is performed by making a small incision in the back and by advancing a small needle towards the fracture site. This is done under x-ray guidance to ensure accuracy and precision. A balloon like device is inserted through the small needle and into the fracture site, whereupon it is inflated within the collapsed bone to create a cavity. Following creation of this small cavity, the balloon is removed, and a small amount of cement is infused into the cavity to create stability.

Kyphoplasty is minimally invasive, performed under IV sedation, and patients are discharged home within one to two hours following the procedure. Pain relief is normally achieved immediately following the procedure. After one to two days, patients may resume normal activities, although strenuous exertion, including heavy lifting, should be avoided for several weeks.