Kyphoplasty
Patients with osteoporosis, or soft bones, are at increased risk for painful fractures of the spine known as “vertebral compression fractures”. Osteoporosis can occur due to age, medication/chemotherapy or other factors. These fractures can be treated by an interventional radiologist using imaging to guide needles into the fractured vertebra. A cavity is then created in the bone with small balloons and fast setting polymer or cement is injected to “internally cast” the fracture. In many cases, this results in decreased pain and improved mobility for the patient.
