A screw and rod construct is a system of implants used to stabilize the spine. Screws are placed into the vertebrae and connected with rods to provide immediate stability while the bones heal or fuse together.
Quick Facts:
- Provides strong spinal stabilization
- Commonly used during spinal fusion surgery
- Helps maintain alignment and correct deformity
- Allows bone fusion to occur over time
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👉 Screw and Rod Construct Information Packet
WHAT IS A SCREW AND ROD CONSTRUCT?
A screw and rod construct is a spinal fixation system used to stabilize one or more levels of the spine.
The system typically includes:
- Pedicle or facet screws placed into the vertebrae
- Rods that connect the screws
- Additional connectors or cross-links when needed
- Minimally invasive approaches are an option for some patients
The implants act as an internal brace, helping maintain alignment and stability while the spine heals.
👉 The goal is to provide immediate stability and create an environment where fusion can occur.
WHY ARE SCREWS AND RODS USED?
Screw and rod constructs are used whenever spinal stability is needed.
Common Indications:
- Degenerative spinal instability
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal deformity
- Scoliosis
- Kyphosis
- Spinal fractures
- Spinal tumors
- Spinal infections
- Revision spine surgery
- Fusion procedures
👉 These implants are often used when motion between vertebrae contributes to pain, deformity, or neurologic compression.
SYMPTOMS THAT MAY REQUIRE SPINAL STABILIZATION
Common Symptoms
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Leg pain or arm pain
- Numbness or tingling
- Weakness
- Difficulty standing upright
- Progressive spinal deformity
Typical Pattern
- Symptoms related to instability, deformity, or nerve compression
- Pain that worsens with activity or prolonged standing
- Progressive changes in posture or alignment
🚨 When Surgery May Be More Urgent
- Progressive neurologic deficits
- Unstable spinal fractures
- Spinal cord compression
- Significant deformity progression
- Spinal instability due to tumor or infection
HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
Step-by-Step Overview
Anesthesia
- Performed under general anesthesia
Surgical Exposure
- The affected portion of the spine is exposed through an open or minimally invasive approach
Screw Placement
- Screws are placed into the vertebrae using image guidance, navigation, fluoroscopy, or robotic assistance when appropriate
- Cement augmentation can be used to reduce the risk of screw loosening in osteogenic (soft) bone
Rod Placement
- Rods are connected to the screws to stabilize the spine
Correction and Stabilization
- Alignment may be improved or restored
- Compression or distraction may be applied when needed
Closure
- The incision is closed and dressings are applied
👉 The construct provides immediate mechanical stability while fusion develops over time.
OUR APPROACH
Screw and rod fixation is one of the most common techniques used in modern spine surgery.
We carefully evaluate:
- The underlying spinal condition
- Bone quality
- Alignment
- Number of levels requiring treatment
- Whether minimally invasive techniques are appropriate
When possible, we utilize advanced technologies such as neuronavigation, intraoperative imaging, and neuromonitoring to improve accuracy and safety.
👉 Our goal is durable stabilization with the least disruption necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Before Surgery
- MRI and/or CT imaging
- Standing X-rays
- Evaluation of spinal alignment
- Bone density assessment when appropriate
- Surgical planning
Day of Surgery
- Performed under general anesthesia
- Length of surgery depends on the number of levels treated and complexity of the condition
After Surgery
- Walking usually begins shortly after surgery
- Activity restrictions may be necessary during healing
- Recovery varies depending on the underlying diagnosis
- Fusion develops gradually over several months
OUTCOMES & RISKS
Potential Benefits
- Improved spinal stability
- Maintenance or restoration of alignment
- Reduced pain related to instability
- Protection of neural structures
- Improved function and quality of life
Risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve injury
- Pedicle screw malposition
- Hardware loosening or failure
- Adjacent segment degeneration
- Need for additional surgery
👉 Successful outcomes depend on appropriate patient selection, implant placement, and bone healing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do the screws stay in permanently?
In most cases, yes. The implants are designed to remain in place permanently unless they cause a specific problem.
Will I be able to feel the screws and rods?
Most patients do not feel the implants themselves after healing is complete.
Do screws fuse the spine?
No. The screws and rods provide stability while the bone fusion develops. The fusion itself occurs through bone healing.
Are screws safe?
Screw fixation has been used successfully for decades and is a standard technique in modern spine surgery.
Will metal implants set off airport security?
Modern implants occasionally trigger scanners, but most patients do not experience significant issues.
FOR REFERRING PHYSICIANS
Refer patients with:
- Degenerative instability
- Spondylolisthesis
- Spinal deformity
- Spinal fractures
- Tumors involving the spine
- Failed prior spinal surgery
- Conditions requiring spinal fusion
Imaging:
- MRI of the affected region
- Standing X-rays
- CT scan when needed
- Bone density evaluation when appropriate
Consider:
- Stability requirements
- Alignment goals
- Bone quality
- Need for decompression and fusion