Papers by Keyword: HA Block

Abstract: We have successfully treated osteoporotic spine fractures for about three years, by using transpedicular kyphoplasty with hydroxyapatite blocks (HA Block: PENTAX) (refer with: Fig. 1), The 13 patients, four men and nine women, ranged from 61 to 86 years in age (mean, 73 years). The mean Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was 8.5 points before operation, improved to 2.7 points on the next day of operation, and improved significantly to 1.8 points at the final evaluation. The mean deformity rate (Anterior height / Posterior height x 100) was 66.3% before operation, but improved to 91.7% immediately after operation. At the time of follow-up, this rate was 78.6%, indicating that the correction loss was 13.1%. This procedure caused none of serious complications such as neurological disorder and pulmonary infarction. Kyphoplasty with HA blocks may be safe and effective in the treatment of chronic vertebral fractures.

Abstract: We innovated a new technique and hydroxyapatite material “HA Block” in order to decrease complications such as pulmonary embolization and correct kyphosis due to osteoporosis. A cadaveric study of vertebroplasty was attempted to confirm accurate the efficacy for three materials in terms of restoration of vertebral height, strength and stiffness after packing HA Block as compared with Polymethylmethacrylate Cement (PMMA) and alpha-tri-calcium phosphate cement (Biopex-R) in cadaveric study. By using thoracolumber spines derived from elderly human cadavers, two kinds of vertebral fracture models: Flat and Wedge were made on MTS 858 Mini. Restoration rate after packing each material was best for HA Block. The strength of HA Block was somewhat lower than PMMA and Biopex-R. It is suggested that HA Block had moderate and optimal strength to reduce stress to adjuscent vertebra and was enable to correct kyphosis in osteoporotic spine.