New spinal procedure comes to Fulton County | Health

Balloon Kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive treatment option for patients suffering from spinal fractures  because of osteoporosis will be offered by Dr. Shen at Nathan Littauer Hospital.

According to a press release, the treatment is designed to treat spinal pain and deformity that comes from vertebrae fractures that occur from osteoporosis or cancer.  If a patient gets the treatment, it can significantly reduce back pain and help them return to day-to-day activities.

“The surgery is new to the Fulton-Montgomery county areas and only a handful of surgeons in the Capital Region currently perform Kyphoplasty.” said Hospital spokesperson Cheryl McGrattan in a press release.

The treatment is also supposed to restore the vertebrae to their correct position reducing pain and reducing the number of days a patient is in bed recovering. Balloon Kyphoplasty generally takes less than an hour per fracture and has been done under local anesthesia and general.

“I am pleased to bring this surgery to our region,” said Dr. Shen. “Of all the surgeries I perform, this technique is especially rewarding because it can reduce pain significantly and in a short period of time. I am enjoying seeing the patient return to a better quality of life after this procedure.”

For a consultation concerning treatment options for a spinal fracture, please contact Dr. Shen at the New Johnstown Surgery Center at 518-773-4242.