Spinal Fixation Devices

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A spinal fixation device is a rigid or semi-rigid mechanical support system which is surgically implanted into the vertebral column in order to obtain stabilization of spinal fractures, correction of spinal deformities, or treatment of degenerative spinal disease. The implanted fixation device may consist of rods, plates, screws and/or interbody constructs such that the surgeon can obtain optimum fixation in each case. The implanted fixation device can be made of a rigid or semi-rigid biologically compatible material, such as titanium alloy.

Alternatively, a resorbable spinal fixation device can be used for temporary spinal fixation. Though such devices are not common in the US, they are composed of bioresorbable material such as a polymer that can produce acidic products upon hydrolytic degradation, the device needs to include a neutralization compound, or buffering agent, in sufficiently high concentration to decrease the rate of pH change as the device degrades, in order to prevent sterile abscess formation caused by the accumulation of unbuffered acidic products in the area of the implant.