Spine

Key Points

  • Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty are procedures used to strengthen weakened areas in the spine damaged by compression fractures.
  • These procedures utilize medical cement inserted into the back to stabilize the fractured bone.

Explore Riverside’s Spine Program

Overview

These procedures are both used as treatments to augment weakened parts of the spine when the issue is caused by compression fractures of the vertebrae.

With kyphoplasty, small balloons are inserted between the vertebrae and filled to create a cavity in the vertebra. Once the balloons are removed, the space is quickly filled with a type of medical cement to support the spine.

Vertebroplasty uses a similar approach, but balloons are not utilized. Instead, the cement is inserted directly into the fractured vertebrae.   

 

What it Treats

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are used to treat compression fractures of the spine.

Anatomy of the Spine

Explore an interactive model of the spine.

Spine Procedures and Treatments

Learn about different spine conditions  

What Matters

Learn the important questions to ask when selecting a spine surgeon.