19 Aug Rods and screws in back surgery
Spine surgery techniques are in moving in fast lane. The myth, ‘bed rest after spine surgery’ is thing of past. Spine surgeons can make people get back to their active lifestyle after spine surgery. Yes, ACTIVE lifestyle…..which means running, sports, dance. All this was possible due to rapid growth of technology and metallurgy in spine surgery. Thus dawned the era of screw fixation to spine. The screw and rod construct revolutionised spine surgery. Lets get some information about these implants which changed the face of spine surgery.
What material is used in making these screws?
These are made of titanium material.
Earlier these used to be made of stainless steel but an MRI if required later in life throws significant blurred MRI images and interpretation is very difficult. MRI spine can be safely done with titanium screws implanted in the body with minimal artefact. Many local and international companies make it. (The cost for international screws is higher as against the local counterparts). These offer the most rigid fixation of the spine hence patients can be out of bed even the same day of surgery. Its insertion is a technique perfected by spine surgeons. These can now be introduced in the spine with very minimal surgery called Minimally invasive spine surgery.
Right on target!!
Fusion facilitators
This strong fixation aids spinal fusion or welding of the spinal bones. Used mostly in upper and lower back surgeries, they come in different diameters to suit the these different regions of spine
They might be detected while crossing airport or entering malls. The treating doctors usually issue a certificate stating the same. It is safe to travel by all available means with the screws implanted in your spine
Showed here is a one level construct with 4 screws and 2 rods to fix one segment of spine.(There are such 24 disc segments throughout the spine). The constructs can be multiple depending on case to case basis. More levels included impart less flexibility to the spine. The levels included depend on the treating surgeon’s assessment.
Below are the frequently asked questions regarding screws in spine surgery:-
When are implants necessary in spine surgery?
Spine specialists advice for implants whenever they suspect an unstable situation of the spine. Most commonly in infections, fractures, tumor surgery and sometimes in advanced wear and tear.
Generally spine implants DO NOT need removal.
Will I be able to bend in my back?
Yes possible.
For 1 or 2 level use of instrumentation (which is most commonly done) there is generally no significant limitation of bending movement of the spine. It gets compensated at the hips and remaining levels of the spine.
Will my spine be weak after one level back fixation surgery?
No – Unlike earlier times, modern day spine surgery makes your spine strong and pain free.
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