Spinal surgery has evolved in the last years toward MIS approaches but also trying to maximize Lumbar Lordosis and to control Sagittal and Coronal Alignment. The usage of Interbody fusion devices has become critical for that purpose as well as a challenge when facing minimally invasive surgeries. Although, now most of the companies -with the help of advanced manufacturing techniques- are designing better lumbar interbody devices with different shapes, sizes, and materials-with the new 3D technology- and instruments, they are still difficult to insert and fill with graft.
In order to solve this problem, Globus Medical started some years ago to design and launch Expandable cages creating a viable alternative to the static technology. Today, we can find more than 50 lumbar expandable cages in:https://thespinemarketgroup.com/category/expandable-cages/
Which are the main Advantages of the Expandable Cages?
- Allow a larger footprints
- Easier insertion in Minimally invasive surgical approaches
- Expandable cages allow for increased sagittal alignment correction.Correction of Sagittal and Coronal Deformities
- Decreased morbidity
Which are the main Disadvantages?
- Endplate potential damage
- Price differential
- Expanding the cage can unload the bone graft
About Expandable Cages
Expandable interbody cages allow surgeons to go through a small corridor and change the geometry of the cage to correspond to what the patient’s spine requires. These implants may help protect a patient’s nerve roots and other structures in the area near the cage or along the corridor through which they are implanted. Sometimes can be implanted with a minimally invasive surgical procedure.
michael d mitchell says
What would we call it? Spineplasty or Spinalplasty