The use of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) was first described in 1987; however, since its conception its use has broadened. PVP involves the transpedicular injection of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) into the vertebral body for treatment of osteoporotic compression fractures. This paper reviews the history of PVP and percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP), the epidemiology of osteoporotic fractures, key articles regarding its usage, and novel areas of application.