Osteoplasty
A cumulative deformity of the vertebral bodies can lead to a “hump” back or kyphosis. This condition often occurs in older adults, particularly women. Also, compression fractures of the vertebrae can leave the vertebra deformed, resulting in pain and long-term problems. Until recently, only balloon-kyphoplasty was available to address these conditions. With the minimally invasive Osseofix system, it is now possible to precisely adjust the location and amount of correction for each vertebra. The surgeon inserts the Osseofix implant posteriorly. This posterior approach is particularly important when dealing with the thoracic spine, because an anterior approach would mean going through the chest cavity. Hyperlordosis due deformities of the lumbar vertebral bodies can also be addressed with this technique. Once the implant is in the correct place, the implant is tightened with a special handle. The tightening of the implant expands the cage. When the cage is at its correct size, the surgeon fills the space with bone cement.