Please wait for the presentation to download then click the arrow to view Kyphoplasty. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and structural changes causing bones to become fragile and easily broken. Many people do not realize that they have osteoporosis until a fracture occurs. An additional 18 million have low bone mass and are at risk for developing the disease. Bone density tests can detect osteoporosis and help predict chances of fractures and determine rate of bone loss.
Osteoporotic fractures pose a significant health care problem with exorbitant associated costs.
Over 1.5 million fragility fractures occur annually in the United States. After the first VCF, the risk of subsequent osteoporotic spine fractures increases by more than five-fold. The initial treatment for a VCF is conservative, using analgesics, bedrest and possible bracing for pain control. Most patients will have a gradual decrease in pain with these palliative measures. Today there is a minimally invasive procedure available for those patients who do not respond to nonsurgical treatments.