What is the difference between a vertebroplasty and a kyphoplasty? it seems like vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are always mentioned together. why are they still separate? what is the difference between these two procedures?

Vertebroplasty : Vertebroplasty is the direct injection of plastic into the fractured bone. Kyphoplasty a cavity to hold the plastic is made first prior to injecting. Occasionally the fracture can be partially reduced (return to non fractured state) during cavity formation. Overall they are very similar procedures. Please see my health guide on vertebral body compression fractures. Good luck!

Difference: Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are similar but distinct procedure. Vertebroplasty is injection of cement into a vertebral body. Kyphoplasty is the inflation of a balloon in the vertebral body prior to cement injection. It is used to create space for the cement to predictably go, and potentially restore vertebral body height.