Spinal stabilization using cage implantation and prior calculation of the extent of correction is a new surgical procedure for the treatment of spinal disorders. The aim of this new type of spinal stabilization is a planned and targeted adjustment of the spine in order to reduce pain and long-term consequences. Here you will find further information as well as selected specialists and centers for spinal stabilization surgery.
Surgery to stabilize the spine usually involves the use of a special disc space maintainer. This so-called cage is implanted directly into the spine. The cage is usually made of plastic or titanium.
For a long time, it was not possible to calculate the exact amount of individual correction required before the actual operation. The height and angle of the disc space and therefore the position of two vertebrae in relation to each other is important.
The effects of the correction on the adjacent sections of the spine could not be predicted either.
The implanted cage grows firmly into the adjacent vertebral body within six to twelve weeks. This leads to stabilization of the spine. However, the angle and height at which the cage is set and fixed is of great importance.
As soon as the operated section of the spine is stable in a certain position, the neighboring areas inevitably move differently. They are also subjected to greater stress than before.
This can lead to signs of wear over time. This risk exists in particular if the cage has not fixed the optimal position of the vertebrae, but has been inserted in an incorrect position.
Another problem is the implementation of any preoperative calculations that have been carried out to the exact degree and millimeter. The cage implants available to date are not sufficiently suitable for this.
Even with the most careful handling, it is impossible to position these implants one hundred percent exactly in the correct individual position.
This X-ray shows an implanted cage on the spine © Joel bubble ben | AdobeStock
A new surgical method is now being used to minimize the problems described above.
This method was successfully tested for the first time at the end of 2010. The new spinal stabilization method was developed by Dr/Univ. Laibach Franz Copf and Prof. Dr. Claus Carstens. The two physicians work and conduct research at the Galenus Clinic in Stuttgart, a specialist clinic for spinal disorders.
The basis for the new surgical method for stabilizing the spine is the calculation of the necessary extent of correction before the operation. The doctors use special software to do this. It takes into account the individual and ideal spinal geometry.
The surgeons then plan which cage implant is most suitable and which instruments can be used to implement the calculations. This enables a planned and targeted spinal correction and adjustment.
The new surgical procedure therefore consists of three components that are functionally interlinked:
An essential prerequisite for the successful implementation of preoperative planning is that sufficient cage variants are available.
This is the only way to meet the highly complex, individual requirements for tensioning the surrounding ligament structures and adjusting the angle and height of the disc space.
Thousands of patients undergo intervertebral disc or spinal surgery every year. This new surgical method for spinal stabilization has many advantages for them.
For example, these patients are often free of pain for longer after such procedures or at least suffer significantly less strain. The reason for the reduction in pain is that when a section of the spine is stabilized, the additional load on the adjacent vertebrae and intervertebral discs is optimized.
The long-term consequences - known as subsequent degeneration - after such incorrect loading should also be reduced.
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