Physicians with HealthEast Care System will perform an innovative spine procedure live on the Internet. The procedure at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota will take place on April 19 at 4:00 pm Central Time.

View http://www.or-live.com/HealthEast/1749 for more details. 

This live webcast will involve physicians from HealthEast Spine Care and HealthEast Osteoporosis Care. Mark Myers, MD, an interventional neuroradiologist, will perform the balloon kyphoplasty. Joining Dr. Myers with commentary will be Michael Madison, MD, an interventional neuroradiologist and medical director of the HealthEast Neurovascular Institute, and international osteoporosis expert, Christine Simonelli, MD, internal medicine physician and medical director of HealthEast Osteoporosis Care.

During balloon kyphoplasty, the doctor makes a small incision in the back and places a narrow tube through it. Using x-ray images, the doctor inserts a special balloon through the tube and into the vertebrae and then the balloon is inflated. As the balloon inflates, it elevates the fracture, achieving a more normal position. The balloon is removed and the doctor uses specially designed instruments under low pressure to fill in the cavity with a cement-like material called polymethylmethacrylate or PMMA. The paste material hardens quickly and stabilizes the bone. Balloon Kyphoplasty can be done as an outpatient procedure.

This cutting-edge treatment is ideal for certain patients with osteoporosis experiencing painful symptoms from recent compression fractures. Balloon Kyphopasty should be done within eight weeks of a fracture for the best results in restoring the patient's height.