Dr. James Leipzig, a Virginia spinal surgeon specializing in procedures including minimally-invasive spine surgery and disc arthroplasty, recently spoke with Gene Marrano at WFIR, Roanoke Valley’s local radio station. As the physician’s champion for AOA’s Own the Bone, Dr. Leipzig is part of a national team working to improve knowledge about osteoporosis and how to prevent future bone fractures.
When Own the Bone was implemented eight years ago, over 80% of patients that sought treatment for fragility or low-impact fractures weren’t being treated for the underlying cause. By educating and facilitating communication between patients and doctors, AOA sought to reduce that percentage. Now, the program is at an institution in every state and over 43,000 patients have been treated, many of whom would have not been aware of their osteoporosis otherwise.
In his interview with WFIR, Dr. Leipzig emphasizes the importance of taking preventative measures against bone health by approaching it more holistically. As 65% of Americans are Vitamin D-deficient, he recommends checking your Vitamin D levels with your physician and taking a supplement if necessary.
He also announced that within the year, Lewis-Gale Medical Center will expand Own the Bone with an outpatient clinic. Anyone concerned about their bone health, osteoporosis, or potential fractures can be evaluated before a fracture occurs.
Dr. Leipzig is a board-certified Virginia spine surgeon serving Roanoke and Salem communities with over two decades of experience. He treats spinal stenosis, specializing in procedures like minimally invasive lumbar laminoplasty, microsurgical lumbar surgery, robotic spine surgery, disc arthroplasty, and more. To learn more about Own the Bone or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office at (540) 725-9771.
