Osteoporosis, meaning loss of density of the bone, is a frequent problem in our society that is continuously getting older. A patient with osteoporosis will more easily develop fractures, mostly of the hip, wrist but also of the vertebral column. These types of fractures often are compression fractures that can cause deformation of the spine but also significant pain. In case significant pain is present, a small intervention can be performed where, through a small needle that is placed through the skin, the vertebral body is filled with cement and thus stabilized (vertebroplasty). This leads to a significant decrease in back pain. Some times, a strong balloon is used in order to attempt to restore the height of the vertebral body (kyphoplasty).
