Since percutaneous vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures, only mild to moderate sedation is required. First, an intravenous line would be inserted into a vein in the hand or arm to administer a sedative. Sedatives may be fentanyl, midazolam or other medications. Both local and general anesthesia can be sued. Patients who are in severe pain may require general anesthesia to tolerate the prone position required during the procedure. Local anesthesia is then injected into the skin or deep tissues near the fracture. In some patients, epidural block may be required to reduce the intensity of pre-procedural pain.