LEAWOOD, Kan. – A new procedure is available at Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics from C. Lan Fotopoulos, M.D., board-certified interventional physiatrist. The outpatient procedure, called the SpineJack® Implantable Fracture Reduction System, is designed to restoratively treat vertebral (spinal) compression fractures while also preventing the occurrence of more fractures.
In a compression fracture, the bone tissue of the vertebral body collapses. The vertebral body is the main portion of the vertebra, bearing the majority of our weight while standing. Hundreds of thousands of people experience vertebral compression fractures each year, especially adults as they age and start to lose bone mass. These fractures can cause severe back pain, loss of height, limited ability to twist and bend, and/or the development of a spine deformity.
As the vertebrae adjacent to the compression fracture take on a heavier weight-bearing load, one fracture can commonly lead to another. The FDA-cleared, minimally invasive SpineJack System helps relieve acute pain and protects patients from subsequent adjacent level fractures.
The procedure involves the insertion and expansion of a titanium implant on either side of the collapsed vertebral body. When performing the procedure, Dr. Fotopoulos carefully controls the implant’s position with X-ray guidance. Once the implant is appropriately expanded to restore full height to the vertebral body, bone cement is injected to ensure stabilization.
Vertebral compression fractures are often linked to osteoporosis, which causes bones to be more fragile because of deterioration or low density. They occur most often in the low thoracic (middle) and lumbar (lower) portions of the spine, and they are almost twice as common as other fractures typically linked to osteoporosis, such as in the hips and wrists.
“I am eager to share this technology with patients who are looking for minimally invasive treatment options for vertebral compression fractures,” Dr. Fotopoulos said. “The severe pain from this condition can have a significant impact on mobility and quality of life. I look forward to seeing more patients get their active lives back with this treatment.”
Dr. Fotopoulos specializes in treating pain in the back and neck, hip, shoulder and knee. He is extensively experienced in minimally invasive and interventional procedures for treating spinal disorders nonsurgically. For more on those procedures, watch the following videos:
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, other treatment options for compression fractures:
Vertiflex® Superion® treatment for patients with spinal stenosis:
Minimally invasive lumbar decompression (mild®) for pain caused by central spinal stenosis:
To consult with Dr. Fotopoulos or make an appointment with any of our physicians, call 913-319-7600.
About Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics
Since 1923, Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics has provided high-quality orthopedic care. Our patient care team includes board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and physiatrists, as well as physician assistants, nurse practitioners, durable medical equipment specialists and more. With two convenient locations in Leawood and Kansas City, Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics offers surgical and non-surgical treatment options across all subspecialties of orthopedic medicine.
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The medical information contained in the Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics website is provided to increase your knowledge and understanding of orthopedic conditions. This information should not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific medical or surgical treatment plan. As each patient may have specific symptoms or associated problems, the treatment regimen for a specific patient may not be the proper treatment for another.
Gaining knowledge and understanding of a particular problem or condition is the first step in any medical treatment plan. We believe the information presented on our website will be helpful for those individuals experiencing hand and wrist diseases, injuries, or other related problems. However, this information is not intended to replace the advice of your family physician. You are encouraged to consult with your physician to discuss any course of treatment presented or suggested.
