A compression fracture is an injury to the vertebrae bones of the spine.  It causes sudden severe pain that is often associated with trauma, such as a fall.  Although anyone can have a compression fracture, it most commonly occurs in the elderly; especially in women with bone loss after menopause (osteoporosis).  A compression fracture can take a long time to heal and may involve significant suffering.  

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Treatment for compression fractures involves injecting plastic cement into the crushed vertebra.  These treatments are called kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty.  In kyphoplasty, a balloon is used to restore partial height to the shortened vertebra.  It is best to treat the fracture as soon as possible after injury.

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At IPS, we treat compression fractures quickly and comfortably in our office setting.  We give priority to this procedure as patients often have immediate relief.