Balloon Kyphoplasty Procedure Available at Citrus Memorial

502 W. Highland Blvd., Inverness FL 34452
Contact: Katie Myers For Release: January 8, 2008
352.726.1551 x1559
CITRUS MEMORIAL OFFERING INNOVATIVE SOLUTION
TO TREAT LUMBAR SPINAL STENOSIS
Gulf Coast Spine Institute announced today that Dr. Frank Bono and Dr. James Ronzo
are offering a new minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of Lumbar Spinal
Stenosis (LSS) symptoms. LSS is a common spinal problem suffered mainly by people
over 50, and is often associated with leg, buttock, groin and sometimes back pain.
The new approach involves implanting an X-STOP® device during a minimally invasive
procedure that takes about 45 to 90 minutes and can be done under local anesthesia. The
procedure has a low complication rate, and has been clinically proven to relieve the
symptoms of LSS.
Because standing upright provokes LSS symptoms, the X-STOP implant is designed to
limit extension of the lumbar spine and keep the canal open. A good candidate for the X-
STOP procedure is someone aged 50 or older whose physical function is moderately
impaired and who experiences relief from pain when bending forward.
The X-STOP IPD procedure involves implanting an X-STOP IPD device (a titanium
alloy implant) in a minimally invasive, reversible procedure that takes about 45 to 90
minutes and can be done under local anesthesia. The X-STOP device underwent
extensive clinical study and is the first device approved in the U.S. to treat the symptoms
of LSS.
Patient benefits of the X-STOP IPD procedure include:
• Minimally invasive surgical procedure
• Does not require general anesthesia; can be done under a local anesthetic as an
outpatient procedure
• Typically no bone or soft tissue removal
• The implant is removable and does not prevent a patient from undergoing surgery at a
later time
• Quick recovery time

LSS is on the rise due to the aging American population. Between 1997 and 2004, the
number of hospital in-patient diagnosis of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis has increased 46%.1
In fact, LSS is the most common cause of back surgery in people over the age of 50.2
Until the X-STOP IPD procedure, LSS patients have not had a minimally invasive
treatment available for relieving the symptoms associated with the disease. The X-STOP
system is indicated for patients aged 50 or older, who suffer from neurogenic intermittent
claudication secondary to lumbar spinal stenosis confirmed with X-ray, MRI or CT
scans. Patients receiving the X-STOP implant should have already been under a doctor’s
care, received non-surgical treatment for their symptoms for at least six months and
operative treatment is indicated at no more than two levels.
About Dr. Frank Bono
Dr. Bono completed his medical education at Nova Southeastern University in Fort
Lauderdale where he earned his degree in osteopathic medicine. His internship and
residency were both performed at Botsford General Hospital in Farmington Hills,
Michigan and his Neurosurgical and Orthopedic Surgery fellowship was completed at St.
Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Dr. Bono is a member of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopaedics and
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
About Dr. James Ronzo
Dr. Ronzo completed his medical education at Southeastern University (now Nova
Southeastern University) where he earned his degree in osteopathic medicine. His
internship and residency were performed at Flint Osteopathic Hospital in Flint, Michigan
and Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Dr. Ronzo also
completed a Spine Fellowship at Tampa General Hospital.
Dr. Ronzo is a member of the American Osteopathic Association, Florida Osteopathic
Medical Association, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and National
Association of Spine Surgeons.
About Citrus Memorial
Citrus Memorial is a 198-bed not-for-profit community hospital that provides healthcare
services to residents of Citrus County and surrounding communities. More than 150
physicians and 1,000 employees provide a wide range of services at our Inverness
campus and at medical offices and clinics in eight locations in Citrus and Sumter
Counties. Citrus Memorial is fully accredited by the Joint Commission and is fully
licensed by the State of Florida.
References
1. HCUPnet, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project. Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality, Rockville, MD.
2. Murphy et al, BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, Sepals, European Spine Journal, 2003.

Pictured: Dr. James Ronzo
Pictured: Dr. Frank Bono

Illustration of spine before minimally invasive treatment
Illustration of spine after minimally invasive treatment using the X-STOP implant.
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