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Fractured spine? The healing touch

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Neelam Sharma

Posted online: Friday , March 28, 2008 at 12:47:26


Chandigarh, March 27 A minimal incision technique to set your fractured spine to its actual height within half an hour — sounds incredible? Well, this state-of-the-art surgical technique, called kyphoplasty, is now available at the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, at a cost of Rs 1.50 lakh.

Director-principal of the college Prof Raj Bahadur said the hospital is ready to go ahead with the pioneering technique.

The decision follows a demonstration of the technique by UK-based experts to a group of doctors at the GMCH a few days ago.

GMCH was the third hospital in the country to be visited by the UK team, led by Dr Anand Aggarwal.

“Conventionally, we recommend bed rest of three to six weeks for someone who has sustained a fracture in the spine. This is followed by the use of a supporting belt and gradual mobility. However, under this method the patient is at risk of developing kyphotic deformity (hunchback) after a few years,” said Bahadur.

Under the new technique, not only is the late onset of hunchback taken care of but the procedure is completed in just half an hour, added the doctor.

As against the mandatory long bed rest required under the conventional method, after kyphoplasty the patient can go back to work after resting for a couple of days.

Given its minimal incision and the early recovery period, doctors feel the technique will be quite useful for the elderly.

“Spine fractures are common in patients, especially the elderly, who are already suffering from osteoporosis. In their case, a spine fracture can occur even while coughing or due to a minor injury,” added Bahadur.

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