DEAR DR. GOTT:
I recently read your article about a lady who had disc problems. I had similar problems with pain and following an MRI was told I had vertebral compression fractures. I immediately saw a chiropractor who told me I was a good candidate for a procedure called “Balloon Kyphoplasty”. After the surgery I had immediate pain relief and I feel so much better. My life is back to normal. I highly recommend this to anyone else suffering from these fractures.
By the way, I am an 80-year-old female.
DEAR READER:
Balloon kyphoplasty is a relatively new procedure used to correct painful compression fractures of the vertebrae. These fractures are often the result of osteoporosis.
The procedure is done through a small incision near the vertebrae. A small, deflated orthopedic balloon is then guided into the fracture site where it is then inflated. This pushes the bone back into a more normal alignment. The balloon is then deflated and removed which creates a hole that is then filled with a special bone cement to ensure the bone stays in the corrected position. To ensure that the vertebrae are repaired correctly and put back into as close to a normal configuration, the procedure is done on both sides of the bone. Balloon kyphoplasty generally takes less than an hour to complete and may need a short hospital.
According to the Kyphon website, most patients have complete pain relief. Those who don’t, usually experience a vast improvement. Narcotic pain medication can be eliminated in most cases and there are very few, if any, procedure-related complications.
Anyone interested in learning more about this procedure should check out the website www.kyphon.com. You can even find a physician who does the procedure in your area.
Thanks for writing to share your experience. I hope this helps others in a similar situation.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “An Informed Approach to Surgery”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
About Dr. Gott