Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that is designed to speed vertebral fracture repair, reduce or eliminate back pain, and restore the load-bearing integrity of the spine. When a vertebra fractures, the usual rectangular shape of the bone becomes compressed and distorted, causing pain. Some of the causes of weakened vertebrae include cancer and osteoporosis, a disease that results in a loss of bone density, mass, and strength.

Kyphoplasty is used to gently elevate the fractured vertebrae in an attempt to return it to the correct position. A cavity is created and then filled in with a special cement to prevent further collapse. The procedure can be performed in patients who have severe pain requiring hospitalization, or conditions that limit bed rest and medications.