(Camden, NJ) — Cooper University Health Care recently became the first hospital in South Jersey to perform a new minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs). The Kiva® VCF Treatment System, the first new approach to the treatment of VCFs in more than a decade, significantly reduces pain and helps restores function to patients.

Hamza A. Shaikh, MD
“A vertebral compression fracture occurs when the block-like part of an individual bone of the spine (vertebra) become compressed due to trauma,” explained Hamza A. Shaikh, MD, Co-Director of Neurointerventional Surgery, who performed the procedure. The Kiva System uses a flexible implant to reduce spinal fractures and provide structural support to the spine.
Each year, about 700,000 to 1 million Americans suffer VCFs primarily due to osteoporosis and cancer. The micro breaks in the vertebra can lead to severe pain and disability, and the problem is expected to grow as the population ages.
“The use of such cutting edge technology gives patients at Cooper more options when dealing with these types of fractures,” said Dr. Shaikh. “We look forward to expanding the use of Kiva in the treatment of VCF to provide patients with the best outcomes.”
Kiva is FDA approved for all types of vertebral fractures including both cancer and trauma-related. Studies have shown that use of the Kiva System helps reduce additional VCFs in patients (35 percent reduction) resulting in fewer re-operations/re-hospitalizations (42 percent reduction) as compared to other standard treatment methods, such as balloon kyphoplasty.
About Cooper Neurological Institute
The Cooper Neurological Institute (CNI) is fully dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and neurosurgical issues. The institute offers diagnostic and treatment options for a wide range of conditions from spinal traumas to strokes to hydrocephalus, as well as comprehensive, neuro-oncology and neuromuscular care.
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Media Contact:
Wendy A. Marano
Public Relations Manager
marano-wendy@cooperhealth.edu
856.382.6463