Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures used to treat vertebral compression fractures (VCF) of the spine. These fractures, which can be painful and limit spine mobility, are commonly caused by osteoporosis, spinal tumors, and traumatic injury. Traditional treatments of bed rest, pain medication, and braces are slow to relieve the pain. By injecting bone cement into the fractured bone and restoring the vertebra height, these new procedures offer patients faster recovery times (one to two weeks) and reduced risk of future fractures in the treated bone.

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are virtually the same procedure, with one small difference. Both are performed through a hollow needle, which is passed through your skin into the fractured vertebra. In vertebroplasty, bone cement (polymethyl-methacrylate) is injected through the hollow needle into the fractured area. In kyphoplasty, a balloon is first inserted and inflated to expand the compressed vertebra to its normal height before filling the space with bone cement. The procedures are repeated for each fractured vertebra. The cement-strengthened vertebra allows the patient to stand straight, reduces pain, and helps prevent further fractures.


© 2011 Scoliosis & Spinal Surgery
Orthopedic surgeons specializing in complex back surgery for teens & adults, scoliosis treatment and sciatica treatment. Experts on scoliosis in children as well as adult scoliosis, spinal surgeons Dr. Taddonio and Dr. Sharma have experience with all spinal disorders including spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, kyphosis and degenerative disc disease. Non-surgical and minimally invasive spine surgery options are evaluated for each patient. Scoliosis & Spinal Surgery offices are located in White Plains, NY and Stamford, CT - Serving patients throughout Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut.