Spinal surgery controversy
Posted
by DPS
The ABC’s 7.30 Report has publicised a “A fierce debate” in medical circles over a procedure used to relieve the pain of fractures in the spine, a common problem for elderly people with brittle bones caused by osteoporosis.
Two new studies cast doubt on the effectiveness of vertebroplasty yet the procedure continues to be funded by the public purse.
The Prime Minister has referred to the procedure in his call for a national review of treatments on the Medicare Benefits Scheme but doctors who perform the procedure and patients who benefit from it say it is an invaluable tool that provides almost instant relief.
