Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive spinal procedures used to treat painful vertebral compression fractures, most commonly caused by osteoporosis, but also by trauma, long-term steroid use, or cancer involving the spine. These fractures occur when a vertebral body collapses, leading to acute or chronic back pain, reduced mobility, and sometimes progressive spinal deformity such as kyphosis (forward curvature). These procedures are typically considered when pain remains severe despite conservative treatment with rest, bracing, pain medication, or activity modification, and when imaging confirms an active, non-healed fracture. Before treatment, patients undergo a careful diagnostic evaluation to confirm that the fracture is the true source of pain. This usually includes X-rays and MRI or bone scans to identify recent fractures and rule out other causes of back pain such as disc disease or spinal stenosis. Timing is important: vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are most effective when performed within several weeks of the fracture, before the bone has fully healed in a collapsed position. Both procedures are performed using image guidance, typically fluoroscopy, and are usually done as outpatient procedures under local anesthesia with sedation or, in some cases, general anesthesia. During vertebroplasty, a narrow needle is guided through the skin and into the fractured vertebra. Medical-grade bone cement is then injected directly into the bone, where it hardens quickly, stabilizing the fracture and preventing further collapse. The primary goal of vertebroplasty is pain relief through internal stabilization rather than correction of spinal alignment. Kyphoplasty follows a similar approach but includes an additional step. Before cement injection, a small balloon is inserted into the fractured vertebra and gently inflated. This creates a cavity within the bone and can partially restore lost vertebral height while reducing spinal curvature. The balloon is then removed, and cement is injected into the newly created space. This controlled cavity may also reduce the risk of cement leakage compared to vertebroplasty. Because of the potential for height restoration and improved spinal alignment, kyphoplasty is often preferred when vertebral collapse is significant or deformity is progressing. After either procedure, patients are monitored briefly and often begin walking within an hour. Many experience rapid pain relief—sometimes within hours, but more commonly within one to two days. Post-procedure soreness at the needle site is common and typically resolves within a few days. Most patients can return to normal daily activities quickly, although heavy lifting and strenuous activity are usually restricted for several weeks. Unlike open spine surgery, no stitches are required, and recovery does not typically involve formal rehabilitation. Both vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty have demonstrated high rates of pain reduction, improved mobility, and enhanced quality of life in appropriately selected patients. However, they are not preventive treatments and do not stop future fractures related to osteoporosis, making ongoing bone health management essential. Risks are low but include cement leakage, infection, bleeding, nerve irritation, and the possibility of additional fractures in nearby vertebrae. When used for the right indications, these procedures offer effective, low-impact solutions for stabilizing spinal fractures and restoring function in patients debilitated by vertebral compression fractures.