Willging, Jeffrey P2010-07-222010-07-222010-07-22https://hdl.handle.net/11299/92283The information provided in this handout does not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Minnesota Medical School physicians and faculty. These materials are provided for informational purposes only and are in no way intended to take the place of the advice and recommendations of your personal health care provider. You use the information provided in these handouts at your own risk.Compression fractures are commonly seen in the elderly and are one of the most dreaded complications of osteoporosis. These fractures occur in the bones of the spine (vertebrae) and result in collapse or loss of the height of the vertebrae. The most common symptom of compression fractures is back pain. The pain symptoms typically resolve on their own, but may take several months. Many physicians and patients will choose conservative medical pain management. However, recent studies have shown kyphoplasty to effective treatment option for patients with particularly severe symptoms. Kyphoplasty is a procedure which involves placing a needle in the vetebrea, expanding it with a balloon and filling it with cement.en-USCompressionspinefractureosteoporosiskyphoplastyOther