An apparatus and method for performing vertebroplasty are provided. In one
embodiment of the invention, there is provided a kit for performing
vertebroplasty having two trays, each tray having the necessary
components for performing vertebroplasty via each pedicle of the damaged
vertebrae. Each tray is sterilized, so that if the vertebroplasty
performed via one pedicle is sufficient, then the second tray can be
saved for later use. In another embodiment, each tray within the kit has
two cements, each cement having different imaging properties, such that
each cement will appear different when viewed with an imaging device in
the lateral plane and/or will be viewable when overlapping. A presently
preferred embodiment involves two trays having methylmethacrylate powder
but each tray has a different amount of opacifier, either as supplied or
added by the vertebroplasty professional, such that when each cement is
mixed and injected, each cement is visible when exposed to X-ray lateral
fluoroscopy. A method is also provided that utilizes the kit, and which
allows a medical professional to monitor a second injection of cement via
the second pedicle and thus reduce the risk of spinal cord compression or
venous filling due to unwanted flow of cement into the spinal canal.