Spinal Cages – An Educational Guide
Spinal fusion surgery is among the commonest surgical procedures that are performed to treat various spinal conditions. Over the years, the improvements in the medical industry, especially the field of orthopedics have helped improve the success rate of the surgeries. More importantly, Orthopedic Implants have seen a lot of changes in their design and quality for years, and this is something that has given a boost to the orthopedic industry.
Coming on to spinal surgeries, such cases also require special orthopedic implants that are specifically designed to be used in the spine. One of the most commonly used spinal implants is spinal cages and this is what we are going to discuss in the post. Let us first see what spinal cages are before we go ahead.
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What Are Spinal cages?
Also known as intervertebral cages, are a type of orthopedic implants that are specifically designed to be used in the spine during spinal fusion surgery. Spinal fusion surgery is performed for the treatment of various spinal injuries or other conditions when non-surgical methods fail to provide any relief.
Spinal cages are commonly made of titanium or polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Other materials can also be used for manufacturing, but the above-mentioned materials are used commonly. They are designed to have a hollow cylindrical structure that is placed in the gap formed after the removal of the damaged spinal disc.
The hollow center of the intervertebral cages is to put bone-forming material, especially bone graft, to ensure solid fusion. Besides bone graft, beta‐tricalcium phosphate is also used as a bone-forming material in certain cases.
According to reports, spinal cages were first approved by USFDA in 1996. Since then, the journey of these spinal implants has been amazing. At present, there are expandable cages available that expand with the bone growth after application. The extent of expansion can be controlled by the surgeon during surgery as required.
What Are the Advantages of Using Spinal Cages?
The introduction and improvements in the spinal cages have improved the success rate of spinal surgeries a lot. This has been made possible with the quality of intervertebral cages and improvements in the surgical procedures performed by the surgeon. The benefits associated with the use include:
- Restoration of the height of the spine as before;
- Support to the operated area of the spine;
- Expansion of bony openings between the vertebrae to provide more space to the spinal nerves;
- Maintaining the normal lordotic curve of the lower spine;
- Promoting bone growth to achieve solid fusion;
- Increases the space within the spinal canal to reduce spinal tissue compression.
Which Spinal Conditions May Require Intervertebral Cages?
Many spinal conditions require intervertebral cages during the surgical treatment. Some of the common ones include:
- Degenerative disc disease;
- Herniated disc;
- Spondylolisthesis;
- Spinal masses or tumors;
- Spinal stenosis.
These are the conditions that often require spinal cages for surgical treatment, and they help improve the recovery rate along with post-surgical results.
Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd. is a renowned manufacturer of a CE-certified range of trauma implants that are also exported to clients established in other countries. With over 3 decades of experience in the industry, the company serves around 130 global distributors. To increase these numbers, Siora is also looking to be counted among the best Orthopedic Equipment Suppliers in Italy.
