Kolkata :
An alarming 45 to 50% Kolkatans in the age group of 55 to 70 suffer from osteoporosis or some form of bone disorder, mentions a survey done by orthopaedics.
For about half of them, the disorder results from loss of bone density and it cripples them within two years.
“Silent fracture” of the vertebral column induced by osteoporosis is a common manifestation of bone disorder that now affects thousands in the city and 25 million across the country.
However, there is some ray of hope as a new form of treatment has emerged over the last few years to treat bone compression fractures effectively, say experts.
Balloon kyphoplasty is a technique that involves repairing a fractured and compressed bone with a balloon that’s inserted into the vertebral fracture.
It helps to restore the bone in its original position, thereby curing the resultant stoop caused by a curved spine.
The effect, according to doctors, is a long-lasting one and has helped patients improve their quality of life.
“Bone degeneration starts from the age of 45 and it gets very acute in some people. Loss of bone density leads to osteoporosis, often resulting in fracture of the spine. Once that happens, the spine gets curved, leading to a stoop that restricts movement. Balloon kyphoplasty is the only way of repairing a fracture-induced curve. But, it is used only in those who are in intense pain and have a severe stoop,” said Abrar Ahmed, orthopaedic su-rgeon at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital.
The surgical procedure is a simple one and the recovery time is just about two hours.
A small hole is drilled on the skin near the position of the vertebral fracture. A needle with the balloon is inserted into the fracture to lift up the bone to its normal height, thereby restoring the curve.
The balloon is then taken out with the needle and the gap is filled up with a fluid. The patient can walk within two hours of the surgery. Balloon kyphoplasty is also effective in trauma-induced spinal fractures.
“It works well for trauma patients with spinal fractures,” said Sisir Mandal, another rorthopaedic surgeon.
Experts said a simple bone mass density (BMD) test could help prevent bone compression and spinal fractures. “Those above 50 years of age, people who have been taking steroids for a long time and those with a history of bone injury or illness should undergo the test. BMD helps assess bone health and works as an alert for making pharmacological and lifestyle interventions to restore it timely. It could help to curb at least half of the spinal disorders including fractures. But, very few undergo the test on time,” said Ahmed.
The surgery is expensive, though. It costs Rs 2 lakh and is recommended only when all other forms of treatment are ruled out.
A healthy diet and a regular, active lifestyle help to slow down bone degeneration, said experts.
“Over the last decade, we have seen a major shift in lifestyle and food habits that has affected bone health. Sadly, awareness about bone diseases is among the lowest. This is probably why we have seen a spurt in the number of osteoporosis patients,” said Debashish Basu, preventive medicine expert.
Ahmed said balloon kyphoplasty was among the “safest and most advanced surgeries” of modern times.
source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Kolkata / TNN / October 13th, 2014