Submitted by Matthew Pollard, MD, Augusta Health Spine Center
Earlier this year, an elderly woman was admitted to the general surgery service at Augusta Health for acute cholecystitis. I was consulted to manage her compression fracture. The fracture occurred 2 years ago. It was managed conservatively at UVA.
This complication could have been avoided if she had had kyphoplasty.
Although vertebral body augmentation is not appropriate for every patient, LEVEL ONE EVIDENCE confirms statistically significant improved short and long-term outcomes and SURVIVAL RATES with kyphoplasty when compared to conservative care.
Dr. Matthew Pollard and Dr. Clark Bernard at the Spine Clinic are happy to evaluate your patients with painful spinal compression fractures. Referrals can be made by calling (540) 245-7400.