Which procedure involves inflating a balloon to create a cavity for cement?

The procedure that involves inflating a balloon to create a cavity for cement is Kyphoplasty. In this technique, a balloon is inserted into the vertebral body that is fractured or collapsed. Once the balloon is inflated, it creates a void that can later be filled with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement. The inflation of the balloon not only helps restore some of the lost vertebral height due to compression fractures but also allows for better distribution of the cement once it is injected into the cavity created by the inflated balloon.

This procedure is particularly beneficial in treating osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, as it aims to alleviate pain by stabilizing the affected vertebra and addressing any deformity. Unlike Vertebroplasty, which directly injects cement into the vertebra without creating a cavity first, Kyphoplasty provides the advantage of potentially restoring height to the vertebra, leading to improved spinal alignment and reduced pain.

The other options, such as Vertebroplasty, Discography, and Facet joint injection, do not involve the use of a balloon to create a cavity; instead, they focus on different techniques for spinal treatment or diagnostic purposes.