Different Types of Spinal Implants: Its Usage & Purposes
Our sedentary lifestyle has led to an increase in spinal issues. This has, in turn, led to a revolution in the development of spinal implants across the world. While doctors try to treat most of the spinal problems with medicines, at times, you have no option other than going for surgery. When it comes to operations, doctors are increasingly resorting to implant procedures as they are easy to carry out and have a better outcome as compared to invasive surgeries.Â
This has also led to an increase in the business opportunities for spine instruments suppliers, spine implant suppliers, and cervical implants supplier.
As a leading medical equipment supplier, our focus is always to stay ahead of others in this market. In this article, we will talk about different types of spinal implants, their use, and properties.
When do you require spinal implants?
Spinal implants are used to relieve pain, correct any spinal deformities or defects, and to stabilize the spine in some cases. Common medical conditions that require spinal implants include, slip disc, degenerated disc, spinal tumor, fracture, spinal instability, etc. There are several other issues related to cervical conditions that may require spinal implants.
What are spinal implants made of?
Generally, spinal implants are made of titanium or stainless steel. They can be designed in various shapes and sizes so that they can be used for patients of different ages. Every day, more research is being done in this field to improve the quality and functioning of spinal implants.Â
What are the different types of spinal implants?
- Fusion implantsIn fusion spinal implants, a bone graft is used to create connections between bones. These implants make use of rods, screws, hooks, cages, and plates. Rods – Rods are one of the first elements that have been used in spinal implants. The purpose of using rods is to make the affected part of the spine immobile so that the spine can align itself accurately. Most common materials used for manufacturing these rods is titanium or stainless steel. These rods are very flexible so that they can fit according to the shape of the spine.Plates – Plates are used to stabilize the spine, and screws are used along with the plates to fit them into the spine. Surgeons generally use this type of fusion with plates when they want the spine to grow.Cages – Cages are placed as a space holder between the two vertebrae. As the spine grows, the cage will become a part of it. A bone graft can be placed in the cages to allow the spine to grow. Also known as inter-body cages, they provide stability after spinal surgeries.
- Non-fusion implantsThis technology doesn’t use bone grafts and uses growth sparing devices. This is majorly used among children. Expandable rods and artificial discs are also used these days to perform spinal surgeries. These are all non-fusion methods used in spinal implants.Of all the spinal implants, it is always better to use low-profile and low-volume implants. They are not visible through the skin and cause no pain post-surgery.
Having a monoaxial screw has eased up the orthopedic surgeries and has made them extremely popular among the masses due to its amazing advantages and cost efficiency.