Understanding osteoporosis
and spine fractures

The link between osteoporosis and back pain

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes deterioration of your bones over time.1 As bones weaken, the risk of breaks and fractures increases. Fractures most commonly happen in the vertebrae in the spine.2

  • Osteoporosis causes an estimated 2 million broken bones a year in the United States.1
  • Worldwide, one in three women and one in five men over age 50 will suffer a broken bone due to osteoporosis.2
  • Approximately two-thirds of osteoporosis cases are undiagnosed — and untreated.3
Find a physician

Think you may have a spinal fracture?  Find a physician.

Understanding the importance of treatment

Learn how osteoporosis weakens bones over time, causing painful fractures of the vertebrae in the spine, which can increase health risks and impact your quality of life.

Learn what to do if you suspect osteoporosis or bone fracture, and hear how one woman manages her risk.

Balloon kyphoplasty for treating fractured vertebrae

Kyphon™ balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive treatment option for painful vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) due to osteoporosis, cancer, or non-cancerous tumors. The procedure typically takes about an hour and can be done on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

Medtronic Kyphon™ balloon kyphoplasty

  • Used to relieve back pain caused by vertebral compression fractures since 1998
  • Backed by 20+ years of clinical evidence
  • Treated 1.8 million fracture levels

How kyphoplasty works

Kyphon™ balloon kyphoplasty involves inserting a small balloon into the vertebra to restore height and relieve pain. Once the balloon creates a space, it is removed and a cement similar to a cast is inserted to keep the vertebra from collapsing.

Learn why early detection is critical

Osteoporosis may worsen bone fragility over time, increasing the risk for pain and other health complications. Hear three women discuss how they manage their risk for osteoporosis. Learn how and why compression fractures happen and hear guidance from a doctor on handling the condition.

Balloon kyphoplasty indication and risk statement

Kyphon™ balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of pathological fractures of the vertebral body due to osteoporosis, cancer, or benign lesion. Cancer includes multiple myeloma and metastatic lesions, including those arising from breast or lung cancer, or lymphoma. Benign lesions include hemangioma and giant cell tumor. The overall complication rate with the procedure has been demonstrated to be low.

Risks of acrylic bone cements include cement leakage, which may cause tissue damage, nerve or circulatory problems, and other serious adverse events, such as: cardiac arrest, cerebrovascular accident, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, cardiac embolism. For complete information regarding indications for use, contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse events, and methods of use, please reference the devices’ Instructions for Use included with the product.

1

National Osteoporosis Foundation. Osteoporosis Fast Facts. http://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Osteoporosis-Fast-Facts.pdf. Accessed April 18, 2022.

2

International Osteoporosis Foundation. About Osteoporosis. https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/patients/about-osteoporosis. Accessed March 30, 2022.

3

Brunton S, Carmichael B, Gold D, et al. Vertebral compression fractures in primary care: recommendations from a consensus panel. J Fam Pract. 2005;54(9):781–788.