Percutaneous vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat spinal compression fractures.Compression fractures occur in spinal vertebrae that have been weakened by osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken the bones, such as cancer. Compression fractures typically occur in the thoracic region of the spine, which includes the T1 through T12 vertebrae, but may also occur in the lumbar spine, or L1 through L5. The goals of vertebroplasty are to reduce pain while also stabilizing and strengthening the fractured vertebra. In the procedure, the patient lies face down on the operating table. The surgeon may reset the fractured vertebra by externally manipulating the patient’s body position before surgery begins. The surgeon punctures the skin over the affected vertebra with a biopsy needle.