ISSSTE Patient Regains Mobility Thanks to Minimally Invasive Vertebroplasty

A 73-year-old patient of the Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE) has regained the ability to walk following a successful vertebroplasty procedure at the National Medical Center 20 de Noviembre. The minimally invasive surgery, performed on February 24, allowed Honoria González Galicia to return home just two days later with significant improvement in her physical capabilities.

Osteoporosis and the Require for Vertebroplasty

González Galicia suffered from severe osteoporosis, which had caused fractures in four vertebrae – L3, L2, L1, and thoracic 12 – resulting in debilitating pain and loss of mobility. The ISSSTE’s neurosurgery team opted for vertebroplasty to address her condition.

What is Vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure used to stabilize vertebral compression fractures. As explained by Dr. Cuauhtémoc Gil Ortiz Mejía, a professor of High Specialty Spinal Neurosurgery at the CMN “20 de Noviembre”, the procedure involves inserting a special resin, known as surgical bone cement, into the fractured vertebrae. This is achieved by placing needles through a fluoroscope, a type of X-ray machine, to precisely deliver the cement.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery

Dr. Ortiz Mejía emphasized the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, particularly for elderly patients with osteoporosis. These benefits include shorter hospital stays and reduced surgical risks. The procedure helps to contain the fracture, allowing patients to regain their ability to lead normal lives.

Patient’s Recovery and Gratitude

Following the successful vertebroplasty, González Galicia experienced a “notable improvement” in her recovery. She was discharged with basic postoperative care and expressed her gratitude for the treatment she received. “I can now walk a little more and I hope to recover faster to continue life,” she stated. Her daughter, Janet de los Santos González, also thanked the ISSSTE and the medical team for their care.

ISSSTE Expanding Access to Advanced Procedures

This successful case highlights the ISSSTE’s commitment to providing advanced medical care to its beneficiaries. The Institute recently announced the completion of a liver transplant with a wait time of only one week, demonstrating a new strategy to improve access to essential procedures.

National Transplant Plan 2026

The ISSSTE, in collaboration with the IMSS and the Ministry of Health, is implementing the National Transplant Plan 2026. This plan prioritizes expanding procedures such as cornea, heart, liver, bone marrow, and kidney transplants, as well as establishing a national coordinating center and decentralizing services to regional hospitals. Between 2022 and 2025, the ISSSTE increased corneal transplants by 50% and non-living donor transplants by 22%.