What Are Spine Implants and Types of Spinal Implants

People often have multiple questions about what are Spine implants and types of spinal implants? This article is dedicated to answering all sorts of questions regarding spine implants in a brief manner to give the reader a basic understanding of the topic. Spine implants which are also commonly known as spinal implants are metal instruments that are required during different types of spine surgery.

Most of the time, these instruments are made up of titanium or other types of metals that can provide proper strength and support to the spinal cord. These types of implants are specifically dedicated to various functions, which might include facilitation of fusion, stabilize the spinal cord, training and adding support to the spinal cord, and correction of various types of deformities.

What are these implants made up of?

Most of the spine implants which are used for spine surgeries are made up of different kinds of metals and metal alloys which include stainless steel, titanium, and titanium alloy. There are also some such in plants found which are made up of compounds that are non-metallic. These implants are available in various different sizes and shapes to fit different criteria and different types of needs.

Throughout the world, various scientists and medical experts are working continuously to bring about advancements in making implants. However, in the modern time, there has been a massive advancement in this field, and there are multiple different implants available which include rods, screws, hooks, plates, and cages.

Types of implants

There are two different types of implants that are used very commonly during surgeries. They are as follows:-

1. Fusion - The first type of spine implant is known as fusion implants. These types of implants are mainly used by an orthopedic surgeon while performing any kind of spine surgery. In most common cases, these kinds of implants are used alongside bone grafts. In most commonly used spine fusion implants include rods, pedicle screws, plates, hoops, and cages.
2. . Non-Fusion - another type of commonly used spinal in plants is known as the non-fusion implants. These types of implants mainly include expandable rods and artificial discs. These kinds of implants are required in case of fine surgeries where the doctor intends to provide extra support to the spine.

Some commonly used implants

1. Rods - The basic utility of a rod is to give the spinal cord the correct alignment and support. These rods are generally used along with screws and hooks to fit them in the correct position so that it can provide the perfect support to the spine and are known as connecting rods. The most interesting fact about these rods is that although they are very strong, they can be bent and adjusted according to the shape and size of the spinal cord of the patient.
2. Screws - These types of screws are mainly implanted in the pedicles of the spinal cord. Screws actually help to attach the rod to the spinal cord and provide proper anchorage and support. The main screws used in spinal implants are monoaxial screws, polyaxial screws and reduction screw.
3. Hooks - Hooks are another very common type of implant which are used along with the screws to fix the rod to the spinal cord and give support.
4. Plates - Plates are mainly used to contour the spinal cord and are fixed with the help of hooks and screws. The contouring is done using a contour tool.
5. Cages - The main utility of a cage is to restore the lost disc height in between vertebrae. Bone graft is done using these cages.

Always use best spinal implants for better post-surgery results. In the recent years there have been major advances in the manufacture of spinal implants. The result is a better treatment option for patients.