What are the Risks of Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty?

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are common, safe, and helpful procedures, but like any other procedure or medication, there are many risks.  Some of the risks are related to fracture, a person’s health, anesthesia, and procedure.  Fortunately, the risk of these procedures are generally low, but risks include death, stroke, heart attack, pneumonia, blood clots in lungs and legs, fat embolus, plastic spreading to the lungs, lung collapse, spinal cord or nerve injury causing pain, numbness, weakness, bowel and bladder incontinence or paralysis, infection, bleeding, but not limited to these complications. People with one fracture are at increased risk of future fractures.

For more information on vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty please click on Kyphoplasty.