Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis & Compression Fractures of the Spine

Osteoporosis is the thinning of bones due to loss of calcium, and which usually occurs in genetically predisposed post-menopausal women. (This is to be distinguished from Osteoarthritis which is the same as “degenerative” or “old age” arthritis.) In the illustration above, the osteoporotic compression fracture can now be reexpanded and stabilized with “bone cement.” This procedure, known as Kyphoplasty, takes about 45min to perform and requires just one night stay in the hospital. Check out the Kypon site above for more information.

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