Hardware placement is necessary for spinal fusion. The hardware installed on the spine serves two purposes. First, it provides support until fusion between the vertebra and bone graft succeeds. Second, it secures the bone graft in place during the fusion process. Hardware is required in a number of different spine surgeries, ranging from full vertebra removal to deformity correction. For more information about hardware placement and types, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health. For an appointment, call Call407-303-5452.
Types of Hardware Used
Dr. Chetan Patel will use specific types of hardware for spine surgery patients depending on the type of surgery, the location of the initial incision (open or laparoscopic surgery) and other factors. A broad range of different hardware is used depending on the needed results and the goals of the surgery.
Rods and screws are typically used for spinal fusion, but older types of hardware are also used. These include hooks and wires as well as rod and wire combinations. Pedicle screws and plates are newer types of instrumentation used in spine surgery, and offer several advantages over traditional rods – including a smaller footprint. Cage devices also play an important role here.
The Goal of Hardware Placement
Whether you’re undergoing spine surgery for vertebral fracture fixation, discectomy or corpectomy, the installation of hardware is done for the same purposes. Hardware holds the graft material in place while the existing bone adheres to it. It also provides support during the period before fusion is complete. Hardware alone is not capable of providing lasting support and immobilization, though. Without a bone graft in place, the hardware will simply deteriorate and all benefits from the surgery will be lost.
In all areas, pedicle screw and plate hardware offers singular benefits. One of those is enhanced rigidity during the fusion process. Pedicle screw/plate combinations offer enhanced rigidity over older-style hardware, better immobilizing the surgical area. Another benefit is enhanced strength. The strength gained with this type of hardware ensures that fewer segments must be immobilized, which offers patients a better range of motion and mobility after surgery.
You will find pedicle screws and plates used mostly in minimally invasive surgery. In traditional open surgeries, rods and screws are still used, though plate/screw combinations can also be used. Minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic surgery) provides a significantly shorter recovery period, as well as less pain during recovery. This is because the technology allows the surgeon to make smaller incisions both to enter the body and within the spine itself.
For Patients Suffering from Back or Leg Pain
If you are suffering with chronic back or leg pain, spine surgery may be an option. However, in order to make this determination, a full assessment will be needed. Dr. Chetan Patel will use modern medical imaging techniques (MRI, CT scan, x-ray, etc.) to determine the cause of your pain and discomfort, and then make recommendations for treatment.
For more information about your treatment options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health by calling Call407-303-5452.