- Vertebral fixation
:"Spinal fixation device redirects here".
Vertebral fixation (also known as "spinal fixation") is a neurosurgical procedure in which two or more vertebrae are anchored to each other through a synthetic "vertebral fixation device", with the aim of reducing vertebral mobility and thus avoiding possible damage to the
spinal cord and/or spinal roots.Indications
A vertebral fixation procedure may be indicated in cases of
vertebral fracture , vertebral deformity, or degenerative vertebral disorders (such asspondylolisthesis ).Vertebral fixation devices
The device used to achieve vertebral fixation is usually a permanent rigid or semi-rigid
prosthesis made oftitanium ; examples include rods, plates, screws, and various combinations thereof. A much less common alternative is the use of a resorbable fixation device, composed of a bio-resorbable material; for example, this could be a polymer capable of being degraded into acidic products, and thus in need of including a buffering agent to avoid acid damage (which may damage the bone adjacent to the device).ee also
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Vertebral fusion
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