On Western Baptist’s upcoming “HealthBreak,” neurosurgeon Allan Gocio, M.D., will discuss kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure to treat back pain caused by osteoporotic fractures.

“To restore the spine to a more normal shape, a person is given either a local or general anesthetic and then a small incision is made in the person’s back,” said Dr. Gocio. “A balloon device is then inserted into the fractured vertebrae and inflated, helping the spine back toward its original height and shape. A cavity is created that is filled with bone cement or glue that quickly hardens.”

Allan Gocio, M.D.

Dr. Gocio said the entire procedure takes only one to two hours, and patients can quickly resume normal activities with little or no restrictions. He said it’s best to perform the procedure soon after vertebrae in the spine collapse.

“This procedure has a tendency to prevent more fractures, keeping the spine aligned in its original upright position,” said Dr. Gocio.

See this “HealthBreak” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, on NewsChannel 6 and Wednesday morning, April 30, on NewsChannel 6 Today. A different “HealthBreak” is added weekly and archived online at westernbaptist.com and paducahsun.com.