Kyphoplasty

Kyphoplasty involves the use of a device similar to a balloon which restores the height and shape of the vertebral body. To do this procedure, Dr. Pablo Pazmino makes two small (less than 3 mm) incisions in the skin of the back. A tube is then inserted into the center of the vertebral body to the site of the fractured bone. The balloon tamp is then inserted down the tube and inflated. This pushes the bone back to its normal height and shape. This is followed by application of bone cement to strengthen the vertebra. The procedure is performed with the patient lying face down on the operating room table and under intravenous sedation.