Question:

Kevin asks:

What is the main difference between kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty?

Answer:
Vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty, are the two primary approaches to treat spinal compression fractures.

During a kyphoplasty, a small balloon is used to create a cavity in the vertebral body and ultimately deliver bone cement in that cavity. A vertebroplasty does not include the use of a surgical balloon to deliver the bone cement.