Interspinous process spacers
Updated March 26, 2007
There are several types of interspinous devices. Many of the devices profiled are still in relatively early stages of development and testing, so data about indications for use, effectiveness, and potential risks and complications are often preliminary and further testing is needed before conclusions may be drawn. Read more...
By: Stephen Hochschuler, MD
Anterior cervical plates
October 7, 2005
In cervical spine surgery, a small plate can be applied
to the front (anterior) of the spine to add stability
to the fused area. Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Posterior cervical plates
October 7, 2005
To add stability to the spine, a posterior cervical
plate can be placed on the side of the spine (over
the facet joints) and attached to the spine using screws.
Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Posterior cervical wiring
October 7, 2005
Wires can be place around the spinous processes or
the facet joints in the posterior cervical spine to
create a rigid construct. Wiring may be used to fuse
together the upper cervical vertebral segments. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Anterior cervical interbody cages
October 7, 2005
Interbody cages can be used to help obtain a cervical
fusion, and may provide enough stability to make the
use of a cervical plate unnecessary. Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Postoperative cervical braces
October 7, 2005
Depending on the extent of the surgery, a postoperative
cervical brace may be recommended for a period of time,
likely mainly for pain management immediately following
surgery. Increasingly surgeons are limiting or even
eliminating the use of postoperative braces. Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Pedicle
screws - overview
September 8, 1999 (Updated March
30, 2001)
In the posterolateral gutter fusion, use of pedicle
screws has improved spinal fusion rates from approximately
60% to 90%. Many surgeons also believe that pedicle
screws enhance patient recovery because they provide
immediate stability for the spine and early mobilization
for the patient. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Anterior
interbody cages - overview
September 8, 1999 (Updated March
30, 2001)
Anterior interbody cages are titanium cylinders that
are placed in the disc space during a spinal fusion
surgery. The cages are porous and allow the bone graft
to grow from the vertebral body through the cage and
into the next vertebral body. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Anterior
cervical plates - overview
September 8, 1999 (Updated March
30, 2001)
In cervical spine surgery, a small plate can be applied
to the front (anterior) of the spine to add stability
to the fused area. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Posterior
cervical plates - overview
September 8, 1999 (Updated March
30, 2001)
To add stability to the spine, a posterior cervical
plate can be placed on the side of the spine (over the
facet joints) and attached to the spine using screws.
Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Posterior
cervical wiring - overview
September 8, 1999 (Updated March
30, 2001)
Wires can be place around the spinous processes or the
facet joints in the posterior cervical spine to re-establish
a posterior tether. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Postoperative
cervical braces - overview
September 8, 1999 (Updated March
30, 2001)
The cervical spine is well suited for postoperative
bracing. Depending on the extent of the surgery, a
postoperative cervical brace may be recommended for
a period of time.
Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
