Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty is a way to treat fractures of vertebral compression, which are minor breaks in the thick bone mass that makes up the front portion of the vertebra (the vertebral body). Fractures of the vertebral body contribute to a vertebra 's collapse or compression, causing the spine to shorten and curve forward. This can result in pain and a kyphotic deformity (hunched-over)

The normal rectangular shape of the bone gets squeezed when a vertebral body breaks, causing pain. The collapse of one or more vertebrae in the spine can involve these compression fractures and are a common consequence of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disorder that leads to a loss of normal bone density, mass and strength, leading to a condition in which bones become more and more fragile and easily susceptible to breakage. Vertebrae may become damaged by cancer as well.