Surgery performed by placing implants for the purpose of spinal stabilization or motion preservation. Devices include screws, rods, plates, cages, or disc replacement. This type of surgery can be considered to treat instability, as part of spine fusion, or to replace pain generators.
Quick Facts:
- Uses implants to stabilize the spine
- Commonly combined with fusion, can be combined with decompression
- Helps maintain alignment and support healing
- Often used for fractures, deformity, and instability
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WHY IS INSTRUMENTATION USED?
Instrumentation is used when the spine needs additional mechanical support.
Common Reasons
- Spinal instability
- Fractures
- Spondylolisthesis
- Deformity correction
- Tumor-related instability
- Revision surgery
- Support during spinal fusion
👉 The goal is to create a spine that is stable enough to heal and function well
WHAT IS INSTRUMENTATION SURGERY?
Instrumentation refers to the implants used to support the spine during healing or after correction of a structural problem.
Stabilization:
- Interbody cages
- Screw and rod instrumentation
- Pelvic fixation
Motion preservation
Cervical
Lumbar
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will the hardware stay in permanently?
Usually yes, unless there is a specific reason to remove it.
Can hardware set off metal detectors?
No.
Does hardware mean the surgery is more serious?
Not necessarily. It means the spine needs structural support.
If I have weak bones, can instrumentation still work?
Yes, but bone quality must be considered carefully in planning and surgical plan may need to be altered or delayed until bone health optimized.
RELATED CONDITIONS / PROCEDURES
- Cervical Spine Surgery
- Thoracic / Lumbar / Sacral / Pelvic Surgery
- Decompression Surgery
- Fusion Surgery
NEXT STEPS…
If you are interested in learning more about spine fusion surgery, click on the links to specific surgeries above.