Three colums of spine:

1. The anterior column consists of the front part of the vertebra and ligament.
2. The middle column consists of the back part of the vertebra and ligament.
3. The posterior column includes all bony and ligamentous structures posterior to the vertabra

Glossary-Terms:
Balloon kyphoplasty (BKP)

Kyphoplasty: A small tube is placed down to the fractured bone to create a path for a special balloon. Using x-ray, the orthopaedic surgeon carefully inflates the balloon to push up the fractured bone and restore the height of the fractured vertebra. The balloon is then deflated and the defects are filled with special bone cement. This instantly stabilizes the vertebra and gives pain relief.
Kyphoplasty It is most beneficial when performed within two weeks to 6 months of the fracture.

Percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA)

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs)

Vertebroplasty: a minimally invasive procedure in which a bone cement is injected into the spine in order to relieve the pain from certain spine fractures.

See: www.pcnt.org/kephoplasty.html

I couldn't find anything to confirm the long term effects of a wedge shaped vertebra.

I did find an orthopedic book which said the conservative treatment recommended for your fracture (<30%) should include significant recumbent (on your back) bed rest for 4 weeks and orthotic immobilization (a brace) for 2-3 mos. So, you should really take it easy for a while.

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