Where do you put a pedicle screw?
Pedicle screws are placed above and below the vertebrae that were fused. A rod is used to connect the screws which prevents movement and allows the bone graft to heal. After the fusion is completely healed, the screws and rods can be removed. Removal isn’t necessary unless they cause the patient discomfort.
What is posterior spinal fixation?
Posterior fixation for the thoracolumbar spine is a procedure intended to provide realignment, immobilization, and stabilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients throughout the healing process, allowing fusion to occur.
What are pedicle screws made of?
Several types of pedicle screw systems have been utilized to augment lumbar spine fusion. The majority of these systems are made of stainless steel (Ss), but titanium-alloy (Ti-alloy) devices have recently been available on the market.
Why do pedicle screws break?
Other factors that could cause bone loss or destruction, such as infection surrounding the implant, bone tumor, metabolic diseases, and microfracture due to excessive loading, are risk factors of pedicle screw loosening.
What is pedicle screw instrumentation?
Pedicle screws used during a spinal fusion surgery provide a means for gripping onto a vertebral segment and limiting its motion. The instrumentation also provides additional support and stability while the bones are fusing together.
How many types of pedicle screws are there?
Four types
Four types of pedicle screw with different thread patterns were designed. Type I: single-threaded screw; Type II: double-threaded screw; Type III: dual-threaded screw; Type IV: a newly designed double dual-threaded screw.
What causes pedicle screws to break?
What is a pedicle screw fracture?
Fracture of a pedicle is a rare complication of spinal instrumentation using pedicular screws, but it can lead to instability and pain and may necessitate extension of the fusion.
What is l4 l5 decompression surgery?
Lumbar decompression surgery is a type of surgery used to treat compressed nerves in the lower (lumbar) spine. It’s only recommended when non-surgical treatments haven’t helped. The surgery aims to improve symptoms such as persistent pain and numbness in the legs caused by pressure on the nerves in the spine.