For Immediate Release:

June 8 2006

Contact Person:
Henry F. Robertson
Marketing Coordinator
252-535-8585    [email protected]
Halifax Regional Medical Center

Surgical Procedure at Halifax Regional Medical Center
Helps Relieve Pain
From Osteoporosis Related Fractures

Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to become weak and brittle, affecting over 10 million Americans and resulting in 1.5 million factures each year.  “Osteoporosis is an under diagnosed condition because many Americans are unaware that their bone health is in jeopardy until they have a fracture,” according to Dr. Joey Thomas of Roanoke Valley Pain Center.  “Patients need to take responsibility by speaking with their physician about bone health and risk of fracture.” 

According to Dr. Thomas, the older a person becomes, the greater his or her risk of osteoporosis because of bones becoming thinner and weaker with age.  Although women over the age of 50, especially postmenopausal women, are at the greatest risk for developing osteoporosis, men are at risk as well.

“Consuming ample amounts of calcium and vitamin D, daily exercise, and cutting back on caffeinated drinks are ways to help keep bones healthy,” said Dr. Thomas, “People, especially women over the age of 50, should consider getting a baseline bone mineral density test.  Bone mineral density test are quick, painless and can help your physician track bone health over time,” he added.

Unfortunately, a fracture may be the first sign of osteoporosis.  “Most osteoporosis related fractures will occur in the spine, and are known as vertebral compression fractures (VCFs).  VCFs occur when the bones of the spinal column weaken and collapse and in some cases may come from a slight bump, or even coughing or sneezing and may cause sudden, severe pain.  A VCF left untreated can lead to other fractures, causing a change in the shape of the spine known as kyphosis,” Said Dr. Thomas.  Kyphosis can cause loss of height and ultimately lead to serous conditions like, difficulty eating and breathing.  “Anyone at risk for spinal fracture who suddenly experiences severe back pain should talk to their doctor as early as possible for diagnosis and treatment,” Dr. Thomas added.

At Halifax Regional Medical Center, a treatment called Balloon Kyphoplasty is offered as a treatment option for patients suffering from spinal fractures due to osteoporosis.  Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that, in most patients, significantly reduces back pain, and restores the height of the fractured vertebra.  “Balloon Kyphoplasty is able to help most patients return to the activities of daily living and greatly reduce their pain,” said Dr. Thomas. 

Dr. Thomas, Dr. Adolfo Marsigli and Dr. Eduardo Marsigli are able to perform the Balloon Kyphoplasty procedure at Halifax Regional Medical Center.