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Absorbing the Newest Breakthroughs in Spine Fusion

Doctors have been using screws, pins, wires, and plates to hold bones together for a long time. In the spine, these implants are used most often when bone has been grafted to hold two or more vertebrae. The "hardware" is used to hold the grafts and bones in place until fusion takes place.

Metal implants of this type can have some problems. The implant may move away from its intended spot. It may simply not work as designed. Metal of any kind makes it more difficult to use X-rays to "see" what's going on in the bone underneath. Sometimes, if there are problems, a second surgery may be needed to remove the hardware.

Researchers have been looking for ways to improve implants. Newer implants are bioabsorbable. This means they don't have to be removed once the job's done. The body will send enzymes to break down the material and absorb it into the body.

Bioabsorbable materials must be strong enough to hold the bones in place. They should be translucent, which means X-rays will not be blocked by their presence. The material must be something the body can break down and sweep away without disrupting normal cell life.

Many studies are underway to develop bioabsorbable materials that can do all these things. Doctors are looking for ways to improve the rates of successful spinal fusion. These new implants may be that answer.

References: Alexander R. Vaccaro, MD, and Luke Madigan, MD. Spinal Applications of Bioabsorbable Implants. In Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. November 2002. Vol. 97. No. 4. Pp. 407-412.

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