Spinal implants are medically-designed devices surgeons typically use to treat several conditions related to the spine. These conditions range across spinal injuries, spinal fractures, or other medical conditions attributed to the spine. The purpose of spinal implantations in the body is to support, stabilize, correct, or make the spine structure mobile. The major aim of spinal implants is to facilitate and allow spine fusion. Spine implants are one of the most important tools accredited during spinal surgery.
Types of Spinal Implants Used in Spine Surgeries
- Spinal Cages: Spinal Cages play a significant role in the spinal fusion procedure. It creates space between the vertebrae and promotes fusion through bone growth.
- Pedicle Screws: These Pedicle Screws are inserted into the vertebrae and act as major stabilizers in the spinal fusion procedures.
- Artificial Discs: One of the biggest spinal implant technological innovations, artificial discs are utilized to replace degenerated intervertebral discs in the spine. The aim of implanting these discs into a patient’s body during a surgical procedure is to maintain motion at the affected segment.
- Interbody Fusion Devices: Specifically engineered to promote stabilization and fusion, these devices are inserted between the vertebrae.
Causes of Spinal Surgery and Spinal Implantations
A spinal surgery also called a spine surgery or a spinal procedure, is usually recommended by a doctor when no amount of medications, physical therapy, physiotherapy or lifestyle changes are successful in causing relief from chronic pain. The suggestion of spinal therapy is suggested by a doctor when spinal implants or spinal implant technology can be the only savior from the spine issue at hand. There can be many reasons and causes that can give rise to the consequences of spinal surgery. A list of such reasons has been described below.
- Herniated Disc: When the soft, inner material of a disc in the spine comes out through the outer layer, it leads to the compression of nerves resulting in chronic pain, weakness, and numbness. In such a case, spinal surgery is usually considered the apt option.
- Spinal Fractures: Injuries to the spine or spinal fractures may require the implantation of spinal implants to support and promote stabilization and realignment.
- Spinal Tumors: The emergence of tumors in/around the spinal structure can compress the signals of the spinal cord, giving rise to immense pain and neurological symptoms. Surgery and spinal stimulator implantation may be required to not only remove the pain but also alleviate the pain.
- Scoliosis: Many times, severe cases of scoliosis, a condition accompanied by an abnormal curvature of the spine may require surgery to stabilize the spine structure.
- Spine Infection: Multiple infections affect the spine in a negative way, such as spinal osteomyelitis or spinal abscesses. These infections require surgical intervention to remove the infected tissues and stabilize the spine for future mobility.
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition corresponding to slippage of one vertebra over the other. A spinal surgery and surgical implantation may be necessary to stabilize the spine and prevent the future risks of further slippage.
Spinal Stimulator Implant
A spinal stimulator implant, spinal cord stimulator (SCS), or dorsal column stimulator, is a specifically designed medical device used to manage chronic pain. The process involves the implantation of a small device that sends low electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These electric impulses interfere with the transmission of pain signals that are sent to the brain.
How Does a Spinal Stimulator Work?
- Implantation: A small, programmable device is implanted in the back or abdomen area of a patient’s body through surgery. This device is connected to thin wires, called leads that are positioned along the spinal cord.
- Electrical Stimulation: Following the implantation, the device sends low to mild electrical impulses to the spinal cord. These electrical impulses interfere with the pain signals traveling up the spinal cord to the brain which leads to a lesser perception of the pain.
- Programming: The spinal stimulator is programmable, hence allowing the patient to have control over the intensity and frequency of the electric impulses. This gives a personalized pain management touch to the entire process.
Top Spinal Implants by Zealmax Ortho
PLIF Cage Peek
The Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Cage by Zealmax Ortho is a [premium medical implant, designed specifically to induce and promote bone growth and fusion. Engineered keeping in mind the individual variations in patient demand and sizes, the PLIF Cage Peek allows quick alignment, reduces strain from nearby spinal segments, and fills in intervertebral spaces.
Occifix Plate
The Occifix Plate by Zealmax Ortho is a spinal implant, a cervical plate that enhances the fixation of fractures and osteotomies of the cervical spine. Available across sizes and materials to meet individual surgical needs, the Occifix Plate consists of multiple screws for a better grip and fixation. Alongside possessing several screws, this spinal implant has a minimal profile to limit the chance of soft tissue irritation.
Polyaxial Pedicle Screw
The Polyaxial Screw by Zealmax Ortho provides an HA (Hydroxyapatite) coating to the titanium-surfaced medical implant. This specific coating acts similarly to the hard tissues and allows better bioactivity. Available across sizes, the housing of the screw allows maximum rotation, maintaining better spinal stability and reducing the risks of nerve damage.
Apart from these above-mentioned spinal implants, Zealmax Ortho also manufactures a plethora of other spinal implants that have the potential to change the landscape of orthopedic surgeries. Available across diameters, lengths, low-profile designs, and varying materials.
Conclusion
The choice of spinal implants in pertinence to the spinal surgery involved varies according to the needs and demands of various individuals. Although the specificities of the implants might be different, the goal of the spinal surgery remains the same, an enhanced onward spinal journey for the patient. Zealmax Ortho as an organization aims to provide every available accessibility to the doctors and patients in the orthopedic implant arena and tries to make the best out of the evolving spinal implant technologies. Patients only look out for quicker recovery solutions in today’s fast-paced world.
Zealmax Ortho also runs by the same motto, easier solutions at the quickest time possible. The undying urge to empower healthcare professionals and patients with comprehensive access to orthopedic implant options, leveraging advancements in spinal implant technologies is Zealmax Ortho’s guiding light.