Balloon Kyphoplasty Step by Step

How the Balloon Works
Balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment in which orthopaedic balloons are used to gently elevate the bone fragments in an attempt to return them to the correct position. Before the procedure, you will have diagnostic studies, such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to determine the exact location of the fracture.

Balloon kyphoplasty can be done under local or general anesthesia—your doctor will decide which option is appropriate for you. Typically, the procedure takes less than one hour per fracture treated and may require an overnight hospital stay.

With a hollow instrument, the surgeon creates a small pathway into the fractured bone. A small, orthopaedic balloon is guided through the instrument into the vertebra. The incision site is approximately 1 cm in length.

Balloon placement

Next, the balloon is carefully inflated in an attempt to raise the collapsed vertebra and return it to its normal position.

Full inflation

Once the vertebra is in the correct position, the balloon is deflated and removed. This process creates a void (cavity) within the vertebral body.

Void within vertebral body

The cavity is filled with a special cement to support the surrounding bone and prevent further collapse.

Filling the cavity with cement

The cement forms an internal cast that holds the vertebra in place. Generally, the procedure is done on both sides of the vertebral body.

The internal cast