MUSKEGON, Mich. Feb. 12, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- Two surgeons at Mercy General Health Partners (Muskegon, MI) are among the first in the U.S. and the first in Michigan to perform a new procedure that treats painful spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis.
Dr. Yousif (Joe) Hamati and Dr. Mark Moulton are performing Balloon Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure that treats vertebral body compression fractures (VCF) which cause the bones of the spine to collapse. The result of a VCF is often debilitating back pain and a stooped posture, which is often seen in the elderly. The new procedure, Balloon Kyphoplasty is designed to provide rapid pain relief, stabilize the fracture and help straighten the spine.
Osteoporosis causes 700,000 VCFs in America each year -- twice as many as the more commonly recognized hip fractures. VCFs can lead to health problems such as chronic pain, eating and sleeping disorders, difficulty walking, and an increased risk of serious or fatal lung disorders.
Hamati was the first surgeon to perform Balloon Kyphoplasty and when Moulton joined Orthopaedic Associates of Muskegon last summer, he, too, began to perform the procedure.
"Before Balloon Kyphoplasty there was nothing that could be done for these patients, other than manage their pain with medication. Balloon Kyphoplasty is truly a significant advance in patient care. Our patients have experienced remarkable pain relief and improved quality of life," said Hamati.
The procedure is minimally invasive requiring a 1/2-inch incision in the back and very small instruments including an orthopedic balloon. The balloon is placed inside the VCF and is inflated, raising the collapsed bone and helping to straighten the spine. The balloon is deflated and withdrawn leaving a cavity within the bone. The cavity is then filled with a material, creating an "internal cast," that holds the repaired bone in place.
The new procedure offers benefits over traditional treatments such as pain medications and back braces, which do not repair the fracture and do not always relieve the pain. Balloon Kyphoplasty requires only one hour of surgery time per fracture treated and can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Length of stay for a patient is usually one day.
Hamati and Moulton have performed 30 cases and repaired 50 bones for West Michigan area patients.
Hamati has taught the procedure to other orthopedic spine surgeons and neurosurgeons from across the U.S. He will teach a group of 40 surgeons in March in Memphis.
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CONTACT: Mercy General Health Partners, Muskegon
Roberta F. King, APR, Director of PR and Marketing
231-739-4885