What is a vertebral compression fracture?
Compression fractures are small breaks or cracks that occur in the vertebrae. The breaks happen in the vertebral body, which is the thick, rounded part on the front of each vertebra. Fractures in the bone cause the spine to weaken and collapse. Over time, these fractures affect your posture. The spine curves forward and the person looks “hunched over”.
Compression fractures usually happen in the middle or lower segments of the spine. They often result from osteoporosis but they can also happen after trauma or as a result of tumors on the spine.
What is a kyphoplasty?
This minimally-invasive procedure repairs a vertebral compression fracture. It helps restore the spine’s natural shape. Some patients experience rapid pain relief after the procedure.