| Cases of Vertebral Compression Fractures on rise, says Expert | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, Jan 19: With an increase in population and life spans, the number of cases of Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCF) were on rise. Though no figure available for India, but in US, there were about 700,000 vertebral compression fractures occurred annually.
The majority of these fractures were the result of primary osteoporosis and remainders were due to secondary osteoporosis or osteolytic spinal metastases.
These compression fractures would lead to progressive deformity and changes in spinal biomechanics. These were believed to contribute to increased risk of further fracture. Osteoporosis was a medical condition and would require medication."
This was stated by Dr Bipin Walia, Director- Neurosurgery and Head- Spinal Surgery, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket . Dr Walia was in city to hold OPDs at Max Information and OPD Centre, Wadhera Complex, Budsha Bridge, Srinagar yesterday.
He said further of the spinal compression fractures, more than one-third would become chronically painful. Whether the fracture was painful or not, the spinal deformity caused by two or more fractures dramatically would impact health, daily living and medical costs through loss of lung capacity, reduced mobility, chronic pain, loss of appetite and clinical depression.
"Traditionally, vertebral body compression fractures were treated medically and rarely with surgical modalities. Unfortunately, the medical management of painful fractures like bed rest, hospitalization, narcotic analgesics and bracing did nothing to restore spinal alignment and compounds problems associated with osteoporosis. Due to the poor quality of osteoporotic bone and the inherent risks and invasive nature of surgical treatment of vertebral body compression fractures, the procedure has been limited to cases in which there is concurrent spinal instability or neurologic deficit."
Kyphoplasty has several potential advantages over vertebroplasty. It would restore vertebral body height with a low risk of cement extravasation. Kyphoplasty was well tolerated and is associated with statistically significant improvements in pain and function. More than 90% patients would experience pain relief within 24 hours of the procedure and could be made to walk, added Dr. Walia. |
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