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New Procedure Brings Quick Relief to Back Pain Sufferers

Dr. Mas Oishi, M. D., neurosurgeon at Neurosurgical Associates has introduced a new less invasive spinal procedure at Providence, and that’s good news to Central Texans with serious back pain.

The procedure called Kyphoplasty, requires only a small incision in the back, restores normal anatomy to the injured spine, and eliminates pain, usually within 24 hours. Dr. Oishi performed Waco’s first Kyphoplasty surgery at Providence in August and has done more than a half dozen of the procedures since.

Patients suffering from osteoporosis or spine fractures caused by falls or accidents can return to their basic routines in just a few days after an overnight hospital stay for this new procedure. Similar to angioplasty, which avoids large incisions by inserting a tiny balloon into a patient’s heart to open clogged arteries, this new procedure also utilizes a catheter to place a balloon between crushed vertebrae. The balloon acts like a jack, restoring normal anatomy to the bones. A cement-type mixture is then inserted between the vertebrae to prevent abnormal angulation of the spine and eliminate height loss, which is often associated with spinal injuries.

“Patients with spinal fractures used to spend one to two weeks in the hospital on pain medication, and then six to 12 weeks in a back brace,” said Dr. Oishi. “This new procedure eliminates all that.”

Dr. Oishi moved to Waco in late June from Pittsburgh where he completed a Spine Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. There, he performed clinical trials and became certified in Kyphoplasty as well as other minimally invasive procedures and instrumentations. To learn more about Kyphoplasty, call 751-4555 for a recorded message. Dr. Oishi may be reached by calling 772-6760.