May 31, 2011                                                                                           570-893-5420

Dr. Kurowski Granted Privileges for New Procedures 

Pain management physician to perform Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty

Lock Haven, PA – The Medical Executive Committee of Lock Haven Hospital has granted privileges to Marek Kurowski, M.D., and interventional pain management physician with Haven Pain Management, to perform vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures.

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are minimally invasive procedures for vertebral compression fractures, which are fractures in vertebra, the small bones that make up the spinal column.

Vertebroplasty may be recommended after basic treatment, such as bed rest, a back brace or pain medication, have been ineffective, or once medications have begun to cause other problems.

Vertebroplasty can also be performed on patients who:

·         are too elderly or frail to tolerate open spinal surgery, or who have bones too weak for surgical spinal repair

·         have vertebral damage due to a malignant tumor

·         are younger and have osteoporosis caused by long-term steroid treatment or a metabolic disorder

Kyphoplasty is performed on patients experiencing painful symptoms or spinal deformities due to vertebral compression fractures resulting from osteoporosis.

“We are pleased that Dr. Kurowski will be able to offer these expanded treatment options to patients that are suffering with back pain,” said Cindy Segar-Miller, chief executive officer, Lock Haven Hospital. “This type of pain can be very frustrating for patients, so it’s good to know that potential relief is close to home.”

Kurowski, is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) and holds a sub-specialty certification in Pain Medicine and completed a Pain Medicine Fellowship accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) at The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA.  He is also Board Certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Dr. Kurowski completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center.

Dr. Kurowski utilizes a variety of interventional treatment options to address spinal, upper and lower extremity, sports and overuse, and neurological injuries and pain. New patients are being accepted.  Haven Pain Management appointment hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:30am to 5:00pm.  Please call (570) 893-5437 for more information or to schedule an appointment. 

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The highly skilled team of health care professionals at Lock Haven Hospital is dedicated to keeping the Lock Haven community healthy. Lock Haven Hospital's areas of expertise and quality programs include:general and vascular surgery, OB/GYN services, primary care, chronic pain management, orthopedic care and emergency services. 

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