SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Kyphon Inc. announced today that Richard Mott, Kyphon’s president and chief executive officer, and Dr. Rudolph Buckley, orthopaedic spine surgeon from Slocum Dickson Medical Group in Utica, New York, will be interviewed on American Health Radio, the nationally-syndicated health radio program hosted by Scott Broder. Dr. Buckley is co-author of the first-ever prospective multicenter long-term clinical study evaluating the benefits of balloon kyphoplasty treatment of osteoporotic spinal fractures. This study was recently published in the September 1, 2006 issue of Spine, the leading subspecialty, peer-reviewed journal reporting on spinal disorders.
The program will air live today, Monday, October 2, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. Central Time and can be accessed at http://www.wrmn1410.com. A replay of the program will be available on Wednesday, October 4 at 8:00 p.m. Central Time and on Friday, October 6 at 6:00 p.m. Central Time at http://www.healthradionetwork.com.
This latest study in the growing body of evidence for balloon kyphoplasty showed that patients experienced rapid and sustained improvement in back pain, back function and quality of life for two years post-procedure. In addition, the study documented improvements in restoring vertebral height and high patient satisfaction with the procedure. To view a Multimedia News Release, which reveals details about the study, please visit http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/kyphon/25116.
Spinal Fractures and Balloon Kyphoplasty
The majority of spinal fractures are caused by osteoporosis, a progressive disease that causes bones to become brittle, weak and susceptible to painful, debilitating fractures. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, one-in-two women and one-in-four men over the age of 50 in the U.S. will experience a spinal fracture, with two-thirds going undiagnosed. Cancer, including multiple myeloma and the metastasis of other tumors to bone, can also affect bone quality and lead to spinal fracture. In cases of multiple spinal fractures, a loss of height and stooped posture -- known as kyphosis -- can occur, which affects the ability to stand upright and walk, and can make simple tasks like lifting a bag of groceries or getting dressed difficult. Left untreated, each additional fracture increases future fracture risk, accelerating the effects of the spinal deformity. Increasing kyphosis is associated with decreased respiratory function, reduced ability to walk, decreased quality of life, and an increased risk of early mortality.
Supplemental calcium with vitamin D and prescription medications are often used to slow down bone loss and treat the underlying osteoporosis. Medical management, however, does not always prevent fracture. Despite the advances in drug therapy, spinal fractures continue to occur and may require surgical intervention. First performed in 1998, balloon kyphoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure which can treat the fracture, reduce pain, restore quality of life, and repair some or all of the associated deformity. To date, over 275,000 spinal fractures have been treated using balloon kyphoplasty worldwide.
To request a full copy of the study, go to http://www.kyphon.com/professionals/pcpnewsletterrequests.cfm.
To find a Spine Specialist who performs Balloon Kyphoplasty in your area, go to http://www.kyphon.com/phys_Locator.cfm.
For additional downloadable media materials, go to http://www.kyphon.com/media.cfm.
About Kyphon Inc.
Kyphon develops and markets medical devices designed to restore spinal function using minimally invasive technologies. The company’s KyphX line of products is used in balloon kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure to treat spinal fractures caused by osteoporosis or cancer. For more information, visit Kyphon’s Web site at http://www.kyphon.com.
Kyphon and KyphX are registered trademarks of Kyphon Inc.
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Kyphon Inc.
CONTACT: Julie D. Tracy, Vice President, Investor Relations and CorporateMarketing of Kyphon Inc., +1-408-548-6500, jtracy@kyphon.com
