When left untreated, spinal fractures can cause the spine to shorten and angle forward, resulting in stooped posture or a hunched back. This forward curvature of the spine, called “kyphosis”, makes it difficult to walk or conduct normal activities of living. Most spinal fracture treatments merely manage pain and don’t repair the bone or correct spinal deformity.
Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure with a low complication rate. During the procedure, orthopedic balloons are inserted and then inflated inside the fractured bone in an attempt to return it to its correct position. Inflation of the balloon creates a cavity in the vertebral body that is then filled with bone cement, forming an “internal cast” to support the surrounding bone and stabilize the fracture.
