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 as spondylolisthesis).

Vertebral fixation devices
The device used to achieve vertebral fixation is usually a permanent rigid or semi-rigid prosthesis made of titanium; 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).