OCEAN COUNTY – Approximately 700,000 people in the U.S. each year develop a spinal compression fracture as a result of osteoporosis. A compression fracture is usually defined as a vertebral bone in the spine that has decreased at least 15 to 20% in height due to fracture.
This type of fracture can cause severe back pain. Left untreated, one compression fracture can lead to multiple fractures that, in turn, could alter the shape of your spine and adversely affect your overall health.
Traditional treatment for these fractures is limited to bed rest, bracing and management of pain, often with medication. Although appropriate in some cases, this type of treatment does not address the deformity that can occur with multiple fractures. If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, a minimally-invasive out-patient procedure called kyphoplasty may be suggested.
Kyphoplasty is a minimally-invasive treatment that can stabilize the fracture and reduce back pain, as well as restore height and spinal alignment. It can be performed in an out-patient surgical center and requires no over-night stay.
Through a needle the physician injects a bone cement into the damaged vertebra to stabilize the fracture. This cement hardens to create a permanent “internal cast”. This provides immediate pain relief and restores the patient’s mobility. It also restores vertebral body height, reducing spinal deformity. Patients can go home 30 minutes after the procedure.
Surgery isn’t for everyone. That’s why we focus on bringing non-surgical pain relief options within reach of those suffering from chronic pain.
Garden State Medical Center is staffed with the area’s leading pain management physicians. We can work with you to help take better care of your body by promoting healthy joints, staying pain free and becoming more active.
For more information, call: 732-202-3000
