A typical procedure begins with the patient lying face down, although other positions may be used if necessary. An intravenous sedative may be used in conjunction with local anesthesia applied where the injection will occur. Fluoroscopic x-rays and/or CAT scans (computed axial tomography) may be used during the procedure to guide needle placement.

During a vertebroplasty, a hollow needle is inserted through the skin of the back and into the crushed vertebrae. A mixture of a contrast agent and cement-like material is injected directly into the fractured vertebra. The contrast agent provides a physician a clearer view of the area upon imaging, and helps the physician to avoid blood vessels during the procedure. The cement fills cavities and cracks in the bone and the needle is removed. The cement then cures and fuses the fractured bone pieces into a single, solid structure.

Kyphoplasty is similar to vertebroplasty. The primary difference is the insertion of an uninflated balloon-like device into the fractured vertebra prior to injecting the cement. When the device is in place, it is inflated, returning height to the vertebra. The balloon is then deflated and removed, and the open space it created in the vertebra is filled with cement. In many cases, kyphoplasty helps patients regain some lost height or lessen spinal deformation due to vertebral compression fractures.