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One more recent advance has been the implementation of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. A kyphoplasty is done in the operating room under general anesthesia. In this case very small incisions are made in the back overlying the spine fracture area. Under fluoroscopic imaging small portals are made into the anterior vertebral body through the pedicles. A balloon is then inserted and inflated to partially elevate and reduce the fracture much like a balloon angioplasty for heart disease. After space is made and the body is reduced sufficiently, bone cement is placed within the vertebra and allowed to harden. This acts as an internal splint and frequently gives good immediate pain relief.
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Compression Fracture |
Compression Fracture after Kyphoplasty |
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