Common Spinal Problems And Spinal Implants

The reason people can sit straight and upright is due to the spine that gives support and protection to your spinal cord. Do you know around 250,000 to 500,000 people suffer spinal cord injury every year ( according to WHO)? And a majority of spinal issues are caused by accidents and falls. Fortunately, advancement in spinal implant technology has made it possible to treat spinal cord injuries and improve the quality of life. Continue reading as we present some of the common spinal problems faced by people and the  types of spinal implants that are commonly used by orthopedic surgeons.

Spinal Problems

Spinal problems can arise from degeneration, fracture, and abnormalities. Some common spinal problems include:

Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis is a spinal problem when the spaces between spinal cord starts to shrink, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Cervical Spondylosis: The cervical spine is sensitive and as people become older, it becomes prone to natural wear and tear leading to alterations in its structure and functioning, known as cervical spondylosis.

Slipped Disc: Vertebrae in the spine are separated by cushions called discs that prevent scraping. As one grows old, these cushions start to dry out, putting excessive pressure on the back and causing the soft inner material to protrude out of the disc. This condition is called a slipped disc.

Commonly-Used Spinal Implants

The first line of treatment for most spinal problems includes physical therapy and medication. When the problems do not resolve, physicians may recommend surgical implants. Some of the commonlyused spinal implants include:

 Plates: Spinal plates are used to provide stabilization to the spine. There are many different types of spinal implants like  Anterior cervical plates, which are used in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgeries for treating problems like cervical spondylosis. The plate is attached to the front of the vertebrae using screws to promote fusion between the vertebrae.

 Cages: Spinal cages are spinal implants that are used between two vertebrae acting as a space holder between the vertebrae of the spine. They are used to restore the height of the affected disc space through fusion or replacement. Some spinal cage implants include the PEEK PLIF cage, used for treating cervical spondylosis; the Titanium mesh cage, used for treating thoracic and lumbar spine tuberculosis; the Vertebral body replacement cages, used for herniated discs; and the Superion implant used for treating spinal stenosis.

 Rods: Spinal rods are long, thin metal devices that are attached to the spine using screws or hooks for providing stability and support to the spine. An example of a spinal rod is the MIS extended tab screws and rods are used to facilitate spinal fusion while minimizing tissue trauma and blood loss in surgeries for damaged discs and scoliosis.

Conclusion

The advancement in spinal implant technology has made treatment of a lot of spinal problems effective, which helps your patients to recover faster. But to ensure the best surgery, it is pertinent that doctors and health professionals do not compromise on the quality of implants. Health professionals must partner with only the leading and  reputable implants supplier for the assurance of quality and safety. With high-precision and durable spinal implants, your patients can start living their normal life sooner and better.