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Gavin Wright

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According to the lancet, balloon kyphoplasty has been used for sufferers of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). Many cancer patients have to live with this debilitating condition. The results seem to be quite encouraging and something for back care advisors to be aware of as one of those useful snippets of

Balloon Kyphoplasty should be done as early as possible following fracture.

information to be on hand when asked questions from a group of staff.

Balloon kyphoplasty is performed by inserting a balloon-like device through a channel created by a hand drill in the fractured vertebrae. The balloon is positioned and inserted into the vertebral body. The  balloon is then inflated slowly until normal height of the vertebral body is restored or the balloon reaches its maximum volume.

The results of 134 patients show that pain is significantly

reduced and very quickly by the use of this technique. Furthermore, there was no increase in the number of new fractures experienced by these individuals as compared to the control group after 1 year.

The authors mention that, "Kyphoplasty for patients with cancer can be done and patients discharged from the treatment facility within 24 hours. The Kyphoplasty typically requires minimal recovery time, and does not delay chemotherapy or radiation therapy."

http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(11)70008-0/abstract

Video explaining balloon kyphoplasty.

http://www.spineuniverse.com/resource-center/spinal-fractures/balloon-kyphoplasty-video