TMH Jamshedpur sets new benchmark in spine care

Balloon Kyphoplasty under local anaesthesia helps elderly patient walk within a day

Jamshedpur, July 6: Tata Main Hospital (TMH) has achieved a significant milestone in spine care by successfully performing Balloon Kyphoplasty under local anaesthesia, offering a safer and more effective treatment option for elderly patients suffering from painful vertebral compression fractures. The procedure brings new hope to elderly patients who, until now, often had to endure severe pain for weeks and face the complications associated with prolonged bed rest.

The procedure was conducted on an elderly woman who had developed a severe vertebral fracture (pancake vertebra) following trauma, leaving her largely bedridden with intense pain and limited mobility. Following the procedure, the patient experienced significant pain relief and was able to sit comfortably. She started walking the very next day after surgery, highlighting the effectiveness of the minimally invasive treatment.

Vertebral compression fractures, often caused by osteoporosis, are increasingly common among the ageing population, particularly in post-menopausal women and individuals above 65 years. These fractures can lead to severe back pain, prolonged immobility, deformity, and reduced quality of life if not treated in time.

Minimally invasive procedures such as Vertebroplasty and Balloon Kyphoplasty have emerged as effective solutions. While Vertebroplasty stabilises the fractured vertebra using bone cement, Balloon Kyphoplasty goes a step further by first restoring vertebral height through a balloon, followed by cement injection. This advanced approach not only stabilises the fracture but also helps correct spinal deformity.

Balloon Kyphoplasty offers multiple benefits, including rapid pain relief, early mobilisation—often within 24 hours—and reduced dependence on prolonged pain medications. This is particularly crucial for elderly patients, as extended bed rest can lead to complications such as muscle weakness, respiratory issues, and an increased risk of further fractures.

What makes TMH’s achievement especially noteworthy is the use of local anaesthesia for the procedure. Traditionally performed under general anaesthesia, conducting Kyphoplasty under local anaesthesia reduces risks for patients with co-existing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disorders. It also minimises ICU dependency, shortens hospital stay, and accelerates recovery, making the procedure accessible to high-risk patients.

TMH has seen a growing number of osteoporotic vertebral fractures in recent years and has performed over 100 Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty procedures in the last one and a half years, highlighting both the need for and the hospital’s expertise in this domain. Prior to the availability of such advanced treatments locally, patients often had to rely on prolonged conservative management or travel to metro cities, incurring additional costs and delays in recovery.

Currently, TMH is among the select hospitals in Jharkhand and the only one in Jamshedpur offering these specialised spine procedures, reinforcing its position as a leading tertiary care centre for advanced neurosurgical and spine interventions.