Titanium rods in back surgery

Low back pain has many causes, but the most common causes are sprains, strains, tears, and wear on the disc and lumbar vertebrae, and sciatic nerve pain. Of course, back pain is sometimes caused by infection, tumors and other side effects. 

Physiotherapy, medication, acupuncture, and the use of lumbar protectors are commonly prescribed for low back pain. But if the back problem is not solved with these methods, surgery will be recommended. Lumbar surgeries are usually performed by repairing the vertebrae of the spine, one of which is the use of various implants. 

The use of implants is useful for different types of low back pain and back abnormalities. Scoliosis, kyphosis, degenerative disc disease, and fractures improve with the use of implants because they help the vertebrae fuse and create natural materials to make the disc. 

What is the use of implants in lumbar surgery?

Orthopedic spine surgery is performed to correct abnormalities, strengthen and improve the stability of the spine, and facilitate fusion between the two vertebrae. Spinal implants are also one of the most important instruments of lumbar surgery that have different types. 

Types of implants used in fusion surgery 

In spinal fusion surgery, the implants are either placed in the space between the vertebrae or placed directly on them for more stability. 

The implants used in fusion surgery are divided into three groups: Cages, Plates, and Rods. 

Cage implants allow intervertebral bone growth in fusion surgery. The clamps are positioned to support and hold the two nuts. In fact, they become part of the spine and play a supporting role after lumbar surgery. 

The plates are screwed to the beads and held together for fusion. Plaque implants have the necessary flexibility and do not prevent the back from bending and straightening. 

Titanium rods stabilize the spine. They are attached to the vertebrae with hooks or pedicle screws. 

Types of implants used in surgery without fusion 

In surgery without fusion, the implants will not impede normal back movement. Artificial discs and flexible rods are among these implants. 

Artificial discs are implanted in place of the main lumbar disc and have movements similar to those of a real disc. 

Flexible rods also flatten the spine without welding the vertebrae. For example, in pediatric surgery for scoliosis, the deformity can be controlled by minimizing adjustable rods and minimizing the number of invasive surgeries. 

What are the properties of titanium implants?

Titanium implants are commonly used in spinal surgeries . The most important motivating factor in using this type of implant is the high demand for faster recovery and less time. Although stainless steel is also a functional implant, titanium has advantages that make it superior to steel. 

Titanium has all the advantages of using stainless steel and at the same time its disadvantages are less. This alloy is as strong as stainless steel but weighs half as much as steel. It is biologically compatible with bones and allows them to grow. After surgery, they provide better MRI and CT scans and, unlike steel, are non-ferrous. For this reason, the magnet used in MRI machines does not apply force to them. 

Titanium implants are also extremely durable. They are corrosion resistant. They are non-toxic and are not rejected by the body. When titanium plates, plates, pins and rods are inserted into the body, they can last up to 20 years or more. 

For this reason, the use of titanium in implants has recently increased. Titanium implants of rod, cage, screw, hook, wire, plate and nut made of titanium are preferred over steel. 

Disadvantages of using titanium implants

Titanium, like all metals, has the disadvantage that it is not transparent to X-rays or MRI scans and sometimes obscures or obscures anatomical changes after surgery. 

On the other hand, although titanium is not a toxic metal, it is a heavy metal and has serious negative effects on health. This metal has the ability to affect lung function, which causes lung diseases such as pleural disease. It can also cause chest pain, breathing problems, coughing, and skin or eye irritation.

 Of course, these allergic reactions do not happen to everyone. Some people are genetically predisposed to titanium poisoning. This is because certain genes in their bodies that need to detoxify titanium in the liver have been removed. In these cases, genetic testing can show this problem and a special diet can solve the problem of detoxification. 

Spinal implants and the positive and negative results of lumbar surgery

Like any other procedure, implant placement, such as plaque, cage, and titanium rods, has advantages and risks that must be considered during surgery. 

The most important advantage of using titanium rods and other implants is the relief of immediate pain after surgery. In this surgery, both invasive and non-invasive, the patient's pain is relieved and the person can get back on his feet and continue living with a higher quality. 

But on the other hand, like any other surgery, spinal implants are associated with risks such as infection. 

In addition, spinal fusion is complex. For any reason, the fusion may not be performed as expected and other side surgeries may be needed. 

Sometimes unpredictable events occur, such as screws, plates and titanium rods, which can lead to fractures and other complications that alter the anatomy of the spine.

But all of these things happen with little chance. Because living with low back pain is unbearable, a spinal implant is the right choice. Titanium implants are the best. 

The titanium screws and rods offered by Health News Center have the highest quality in the market of different countries in where they are offered and have been able to achieve positive results in back and spine surgeries.