Thiruvananthapuram: The medical team at KIMSHEALTH successfully treated osteoporotic fractures with the new and advanced 'Vertebral Body Stenting System'. Dr Ranjith Unnikrishnan, Consultant Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, who led the treatment, said that the 78-year-old Maldivian patient had been suffering severe pain for a long period of time due to this condition, without relief.
Abdominal pain prompted the patient to seek treatment in the Maldives and various hospitals outside India. However, she was treated for gastroenterological problems. She then presented to the Department of Emergency Medicine at KIMSHEALTH.
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A detailed examination revealed a fractured L1 vertebra and osteoporosis as the cause of the abdominal pain. Considering her age, comorbidities, and weakened bones, the medical team opted for 'Vertebral Body Stenting'. A small hole was drilled into the vertebral body under image guidance, similar to stenting procedures for cardiac cases. A special vertebral body stent was placed in the fractured L1 vertebra via the pedicle, a small opening at the back, and expanded using a balloon, similar to cardiac angioplasty.
Dr. Ranjith Unnikrishnan further added that the Vertebral Body Stenting is a relatively recent surgical procedure employed to treat osteoporotic spine fractures. Inserting a vertebral body stent at the fracture site, along with X-ray guidance, makes the procedure less invasive and minimizes the risk of complications. Initially, the stent is placed in the affected area, improving stability and alignment of the spine.
Then, the balloon inside the stent is inflated, filling the inner walls of the vertebra and creating a protective ring for the spine. The patient got immediate relief of her pain, and she could walk without support after the two-hour-long procedure. She was also discharged the next day.
This novel procedure represents a recent advancement in the field of spinal surgery, improving stability and alignment, thereby protecting the nerves and making it a safe and effective solution for patients with spinal problems. According to the World Health Organization, more than 39 percent of women over the age of 70 suffer from osteoporosis. It is hoped that this modern technique of spinal surgery will improve the quality of life for these patients. Dr. G. Gopan, Consultant in the Department of Anesthesiology, was also part of the procedure.
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