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 commonly-used 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.