Percutaneous kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are minimally invasive pain management procedures performed to stabilize and repair fractured bones, most often spinal fractures of the vertebrae caused by bone tumors. This procedure often follows percutaneous ablation of bone disease.
During kyphoplasty, an interventional radiologist uses X-ray guidance to insert a small metal rod through a tiny opening in the skin and into the affected vertebra. Next, a small balloon is inserted through the tube and into the bone, where it is inflated to create a cavity and restore the height of the vertebra. The balloon is removed and medical-grade bone cement is injected into the cavity in the bone to stabilize and strengthen it.
Vertebroplasty involves the same steps but without the use of a balloon. Long-term pain relief occurs almost immediately, within hours of the procedure.
