I heard there’s a new treatment for fractures of the spine. It’s called “balloons for bones.” What is this?

In medical terms, the procedure is called vertebral balloon kyphoplasty. When a fracture occurs in the vertebral bones of the spine, the bone collapses. This causes deformity, postural changes, and a loss of height … not to mention extreme pain!

In a balloon kyphoplasty, the doctor makes a small incision in the patient’s back. A special tool is used to insert what looks like a balloon into the bone. The balloon is inflated. This helps the bone restore its natural shape and height.

The balloon is deflated and bone chips are placed in the cavity left by the balloon. Studies show that the benefits of this minor operation last even after a year.