Instrumentation is another term used to describe the hardware that is installed during various spinal surgeries to provide support and rigidity. A range of different hardware can be installed depending on the type of surgery and the need for rigidity. Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health specializes in leading minimally invasive spinal surgeries and treatment, as well as using the latest instrumentation for faster healing, better support and a reduced chance of infection. To learn more, contact AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health by calling Call407-303-5452.
Why Is Instrumentation Needed?
While the use of spinal instrumentation provides many different benefits, the prime purpose of using this type of surgical hardware is to encourage fusion in the spine. Regardless of the type of hardware being installed, it is not capable of providing support for an individual if fusion does not occur. In the instance that fusion fails to happen, the hardware will eventually become fatigued and fail itself.
The installation of spinal hardware is needed in many different cases (as many cases as require spinal fusion). Dr. Chetan Patel can treat a variety of conditions with instrumentation in conjunction with material removal, debridement and other techniques. These include scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal fractures, birth defects, severe spinal injuries, Marfan syndrome and neuromuscular diseases that cause spinal deformities.
Why Is Instrumentation Necessary?
Why is hardware needed in conjunction with spinal surgery? The various types of hardware available to surgeons provide stability, strength and correction of the spinal deformity or damage until the bones can fuse. However, there are quite a few different types of hardware that have been used or are in use currently. The original rods used for spinal correction have been replaced by hook and rod combinations, but these are being replaced by newer hardware. Pedicle screw hardware offers greater strength and a smaller footprint than hook and wire or hook and rod hardware, and most surgeons prefer to use pedicle screw options combined with Luque rods or hook and rod combinations.
Determining If Surgery and Hardware Installation Is Necessary
Before a surgeon can determine if instrumentation will be necessary, a full diagnosis must be made. This will be done with the use of CT scans, x-rays, MRIs and other forms of imaging to provide the doctor with a full view of the spine, its damage or deformity, and allow for a proper course of treatment to be determined. Other tests will also be used, including urine tests, blood tests and heart tests to ensure the right type of surgery is chosen.
After Instrumentation Installation
Following back surgery and the installation of needed hardware, the patient will be confined to a bed for a period of time. The exact length of time and any limitations on mobility (body casts, for instance), will be determined by the surgeon and the type/extent of the surgery performed. Many patients undergoing minimally invasive procedures can walk with assistance the day of surgery, but others will require significant recovery time.
For more information about spinal surgery and the instrumentation used to encourage spinal fusion, contact Dr. Chetan Patel at AdventHealth Medical Group Spine Health by calling Call407-303-5452.