Staff editor Tracie L. Thompson chronicles the evolution and economics of both procedures. She also delves into the turf war that has caused friction between interventional radiologists and orthopedic surgeons as to who is the best specialist for the job.
Dear AuntMinnie Member,
In the fairytale world of The Princess And The Pea, the princess’ sleep deprivation is remedied instantly when the offending legume is removed from beneath her mountain of mattresses. Similarly, by switching from a firm to a medium-firm mattress, people who suffer from low back pain may find quick and easy relief, according to a recent study from Spain (The Lancet, November 15, 2003).
Unfortunately, finding a lasting cure isn't always so simple for those who suffer from chronic back pain, one of the most ubiquitous ailments in the industrialized world. In fact, back pain is the second most common reason for reduced worker productivity, costing U.S. businesses an estimated $61.2 billion each year, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (November 12, 2003).
No doubt a good part of the $50 billion spent annually to straighten out back issues is earmarked for two interventional procedures, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty. In today’s featured article, staff editor Tracie L. Thompson chronicles the evolution and economics of both procedures. She also delves into the turf war that has caused friction between interventional radiologists and orthopedic surgeons as to who is the best specialist for the job. Click here to read more, or visit the X-ray Digital Community.
Also, be sure to continue with us on the Road to RSNA. Read about the latest product offerings in women’s imaging, here, in digital x-ray, here, and in CT, here. Brush up on the hottest news in PACS and RIS too, if you haven’t already. And stay tuned for previews on molecular imaging, ultrasound, and MRI.
