A vertebral body compression fracture associated with osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer can lead to excruciating and intractable localized back pain and height reduction. The pain resulting from the fracture and subsequent loss of mobility can lead to multiple medical problems, partly related to pain medication and immobilization. These fractures frequently occur in the thoracic and lumbar spine, and at Boston Medical Center they can safely be treated with balloon kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty. One or two small needles are inserted into the compressed vertebral body through small incisions in the skin. A small balloon is then introduced through the needles and inflated to restore the height of the vertebral body. Bone cement is then injected through the needles to stabilize the fracture. In most patients this leads to significant pain relief. Vertebroplasty is like a kyphoplasty but without the use of balloons. The majority of patients go home the same day.