Spinal Fracture Fixation

Spinal Fracture Fixation

Spinal fractures can happen because of an injury or a weak bone. To fix them, doctors can use a surgical procedure called spinal fracture fixation. During this procedure, two or more vertebrae are connected with a synthetic device called a "vertebral fixation device". This helps to reduce the movement of the vertebrae and prevent harm to the spinal cord or roots.

Do you want to know about a surgery called Lumbar Decompression Fusion & Fixation? This surgery is done to fix a broken bone in the spine. It is done when the break is affecting the nerves in the spine, or is likely to do so soon.

Indications:

• Vertebral fracture leading to neurological injury.
• Vertebral fracture with impending neurological injury.

Types of Fixations:

• Posterior percutaneous fracture fixation (minimally invasive).
• Posterior open spinal fixation with fusion.
• Posterior spinal fixation with anterior cage insertion.
• Kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty.
• Anterior lumbar fixation with corpectomy and mesh cage support.
• Axial lumbar interbody fusion.
• Direct lateral lumbar interbody fusion.
• Lumbo sacral spinal fixation.

When fixing a spinal fracture, screws are often used for posterior stabilization. These screws are usually connected to rods on both sides. For the anterior assembly, a plate and screw mechanism are often used, especially in the cervical spine.

If someone has severe osteoporosis, cement augmented screws may be used to make sure the screws hold in the weak bone.

After the spinal fracture is fixed, a protective brace is usually worn to provide additional support until the fracture has healed.