News/PR
Minimally Invasive Procedure Helps Bay Medical’s Physicians Treat Painful Spine Fractures
April 2, 2002
Osteoporosis causes 700,000 vertebral compression fractures each year, more than twice the number of more commonly known hip fractures. Until very recently, treatment for this painful condition has been limited, however with Kyphoplasty, patients are able to walk away from the hospital pain-free. Kyphoplasty is available in our area only at Bay Medical Center.
Osteoporosis causes the bones of the spine to collapse in vertebral compression fractures or VCF. The signs of VCF are often debilitating back pain and stooped posture. This spinal deformity, often seen in the elderly, is called kyphosis or “Dowager’s Hump.” VCFs can lead to a set of compounding health problems such as chronic pain, eating and sleeping disorders, difficulty walking or performing normal daily activities and an increased risk of serious or fatal lung disorders.
Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive new procedure, requires just a half-inch incision with very small instruments, and uses a “balloon for bone.” The balloon is placed inside the fractured vertebra and inflated to raise the collapsed bone. The balloon is deflated and withdrawn, leaving a defined cavity that is then filled with a bone cement. This procedure significantly reduces pain and improves stooped posture in the elderly and is Medicare approved in the State of Florida. The physicians certified to perform this procedure are orthopedic surgeon Cory Gaiser, D.O., and neurosurgeons Douglas Stringer, M.D. and Merle Stringer, M.D.
For more information on Bay Medical Center’s involvement with this significant advancement, please contact Christa Hild at 747-6542.