Kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty are procedures that help stabilize broken bones in the spine, which are often due to conditions like osteoporosis, cancer, or injury. These breaks are called vertebral compression fractures and can lead to severe back pain and difficulty moving. During both procedures, a special type of medical cement is injected into the broken bone to make it stronger and reduce pain.

In vertebroplasty, the cement is injected directly into the fractured bone, usually using an X-ray to guide the needle to the right spot. This makes the bone stable again. Kyphoplasty is a bit different; it begins with the insertion of a small balloon into the bone, which is then inflated to create space. The cement is then injected to fill this space, often helping to restore the bone's original shape and height.

People usually consider these procedures when other treatments, like bed rest, wearing a back brace, or taking pain medication, haven’t worked. In the best cases, patients feel pain relief soon after the procedure, and they can return to light activities within a week or two.

There are some risks, such as infection, movement of the cement, or nerve injury, which can lead to numbness or tingling. Rarely, the cement could travel to other parts of the body. Before the procedure, your doctor will use imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to locate the fracture and may recommend stopping certain medications, like blood thinners.

Alternatives to these procedures might include ongoing physical therapy to strengthen your back, taking medications for pain relief, or even considering more invasive surgeries if necessary.

These procedures are most successful in people who need non-surgical pain relief quickly and can’t undergo major surgery. Most people find that their mobility and quality of life improve significantly after treatment.