New Procedure Treats Vertebral Compression Fractures

A minimally invasive surgical procedure called kyphoplasty provides effective treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, according to a study conducted by Isado Lieberman, M.D., department of orthopedic surgery at The Cleveland Clinic (OH, USA). The study was presented at the annual meeting of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons in San Diego (CA, USA).

In the procedure, the surgeon inserts a balloon into the fractured vertebrae and then inflates it to create a cavity within the bone. The cavity is then filled with bone cement to strengthen the bone. In the study, 71 patients with fractures caused by osteoporosis or multiple myeloma underwent the procedure. Their average age was 71.1 years and they had a mean duration of symptoms for 7.5 months. Postoperative assessment was conducted for up to 24 months.

Patients reported improved physical function and vitality and less pain as well as an improvement in their social function and mental health. Dr. Lieberman noted that the surgery has a low complication rate and results in a shorter hospital stay.




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