Medtronic 2008 Annual Report Download - page 14

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VERTEBRAL COMPRESSION FRACTURE
Entering the Aging Spine Market
In fiscal year 2008, we acquired Kyphon, a company with leading minimally invasive therapies for treating
age-related spinal conditions—one of the fastest-growing segments of the spinal market. Kyphon’s
products are highly complementary to our existing spinal products; they fit well with our goal to
expand our global leadership in restoring spinal function by delivering percutaneous and minimally
invasive therapies.
Some spinal fracture treatments, such as extended bed rest, pain medication and back braces, focus
on reducing back pain. Our KYPHON Balloon Kyphoplasty reduces back pain and restores spinal anatomy
by improving vertebral body height and correcting the deformity. To help address long-term disease
management, which includes both treatment and prevention, we’re supporting such groups as the
National Osteoporosis Foundation and the International Osteoporosis Federation.
Lisbeth Wohlhauser
Giffers, Switzerland
Balloon Kyphoplasty to treat fractured vertebrae
Lisbeth Wohlhauser was used to being active. Even after retiring from
35 years as a dairy and cheese shop owner, she and her husband took
long hikes in the picturesque Swiss foothills near their home. So it was
frustrating to have increasing back pain that made every movement a
chore. Doctors thought she had rheumatism, so they prescribed
cortisone injections, but the pain worsened until Lisbeth could do
nothing but lay in bed. Finally, an X-ray revealed she had two fractured
vertebrae. Doctors used our KYPHON Balloon Kyphoplasty procedure
to elevate the fractured bone and fill the cavity with cement, correcting
the deformity and stabilizing the fracture. “Having the surgery was like
night and day,” Lisbeth says. “Before I couldn’t move at all. Now I can go
for hikes, work in the garden and carry my new grandson. I’m so happy.”
At a Glance
What it is:
A vertebral compression fracture,
sometimes called a spinal fracture, occurs
when one of the bones in the spine
fractures or collapses. Fractures are often
the result of osteoporosis or cancer, which
weaken the bone.
Symptoms:
Include back pain, back deformity, loss of
mobility, frailty and overall loss of health.
Medtronic treatments:
KYPHON Balloon Kyphoplasty is a minimally
invasive procedure in which orthopaedic
balloons are inserted into the vertebral
body to lift the fractured bone and create
a cavity, which is then filled with
bone cement.
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