[Balloon kyphoplasty].

Kyphoplasty is a reliable, minimally invasive method to stabilize fractured vertebral bodies. Under economic aspects kyphoplasty seems advantageous compared with conservative treatment in patients with osteoporotic fractures as well as in younger persons after traumatic spine fractures. Both groups show a better outcome after kyphoplasty regarding pain, function and recovery of height of the treated vertebral body. Specifically young trauma patients benefit from this technique with short hospitalization and early return to work.