Proper implant selection is crucial to achieving the best patient outcome. A particular implant may offer advantages because of its unique design characteristics, which may be extremely advantageous when trying to accomplish a particular goal, such as a scoliosis correction or a fracture or deformity reduction. A surgeon may also select an implant that can be inserted with the least amount of trauma to the soft tissues. A more minimally invasive approach may lead to quicker recovery and less post-operative pain.
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There are many choices that your spine surgeon has available to him. He will choose the instrumentation which is most favorable for your particular circumstances.
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Structural and functional differences exist between the different spinal instrumentation products available. Your spinal surgeon should weigh these differences to determine the best product for your specific problem.
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The surgeon needs to be able to use the spinal implants that have been thoroughly tested biomechanically and clinically. Surgeons often use what they have had success with in the past. For some conditions such as correcting spinal curvature or slipped vertebra, certain screw designs have clear advantages over others.
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Yes- different systems were designed for different problems. They are made of different materials, come in different sizes and shapes, and have different physical properties. Your surgeon must select the proper system of rods and screws for your particular problem.
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Surgeon's choice.
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All of the spinal implants manufactured or marketed by American companies are of extremely high quality. The difference between various implants is more important to the individual surgeon in terms of his familiarity with their particular surgical techniques rather than specifically providing the patient with specific advantages. The use of titanium rather than stainless steel does have certain advantages in terms of better imaging with MRI scanning. It is certainly reasonable for a patient to ask the surgeon the rationale of using a particular implant for their surgery.
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There are differences in the instrumentation on the market. Your surgeon will select the instrumentation based on the procedure.
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No.
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There are many choices that your spine surgeon has available to him. He will choose the instrumentation which is most favorable for your particular circumstances.
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Most surgeons have a preference based on their experience or implant availability. Most implants, at this time, are very similar biomechanically, and I definitely recommend that you let your surgeon choose the implant that he is comfortable with.
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Each system is slightly different. Usually surgeons use the system they are most familiar with and it is best not to second guess their preference.
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Depending on the size and quality of a patient’s bone, certain implants are more appropriate than others. Most experienced spinal surgeons can recommend the best implant to help maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of surgery.
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Absolutely. I think the type of screws and rods you use largely depends on what you are comfortable using. There are some screws and rods that are easier to put in than others. There are some screws and rods that are less intrusive; they don't stick out in the spine as much. There are some screws and rods you put in that you can use in minimally invasive procedures where you don't have to do a big opening for the spine. So, overall the screws and rods are just as strong - one screw and rod is as strong as the other, but the way you put those screws and rods in can differ.
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The specific type of implants used by a particular surgeon is something that is given careful consideration for each patient. Your spine specialist will weigh many factors when choosing the right implants to use for a given procedure, with the best possible outcome for the patient as the primary goal.
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Yes, he or she should use the screws that they have the most experience using and are most comfortable with.
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Absolutely. The type of implants is very important. It has to do with the amount of muscle dissection necessary. Some rod and screw montages will limit the amount of fusion graft available. The choice and the selection of spinal implants are of utmost importance in the ultimate result of the patient. Maybe not in getting the fusion initially, but in the quality of the fusion, and in the soft tissue dissection and in sparing the unfused motion segments it is very important.
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There are many screw and rod products on the market today. The surgeon should use the one he/she believes will work best in your case. The choice of implants is not as important as the reasons for the surgery and the technical expertise in doing it.
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The commentary above recounts the experiences of these physicians. Medtronic invited them to share their stories candidly. Keep in mind that results vary; not every patient's response is the same. Talk with your doctor to learn more about any products that are mentioned above.
It is important that you discuss the potential risks, complications and benefits of spinal surgery with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your doctor's judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
