This article compares two approaches side by side to clarify how they differ in principle and practice. Interbody fusion cages, often made of PEEK or titanium, are placed between vertebral bodies to restore disc height and promote bony fusion. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: Neurosurgical Fixation and Spinal Decompression
After a craniotomy, the removed bone flap must be secured, and cranial defects or reconstructions may be stabilized with low-profile plates and mesh. Minimally invasive techniques, including percutaneous pedicle screw placement and percutaneous disc decompression, aim to achieve these goals through smaller corridors. Interbody fusion cages, often made of PEEK or titanium, are placed between vertebral bodies to restore disc height and promote bony fusion.
Rigid spinal fixation vs Dynamic stabilization: Key Differences
Rigid fixation with screws and rods locks a segment to support fusion or correct deformity, while dynamic stabilization is intended to allow controlled motion. Rigid constructs are standard where solid fusion is the goal, whereas dynamic systems aim to preserve some movement in selected indications. INVAMED's SpineNav pedicle-screw system provides rigid fixation within the spinal line. Whether rigid or dynamic strategies fit a case is determined by the operating surgeon.
How INVAMED Supports Both Approaches
INVAMED's neuro, spine, and cranial line spans cranial fixation, pedicle-screw stabilization, interbody fusion, and adjunct agents used in these procedures. Plate shapes, screw and rod dimensions, and cage size ranges are provided in product documentation, and buyers should confirm local registration and indication status. INVAMED's neuro, spine, and cranial portfolio includes the Stella Cranial Platinum Plate, the SpineNav MIS Pedicle Screw System, PEEK interbody and cervical cages, spinal rod systems, intraoperative neuromonitoring, titanium cranial fixation plates, and the NeuroFill Stabilizator Agent.
Key Considerations
- Pedicle-screw trajectory accuracy is important to remain within the bony pedicle, motivating the use of fluoroscopy or navigation.
- All INVAMED neuro, spine, and cranial implants are intended for use by trained neurosurgical and spine surgical teams and per the IFU.
- Manufacturer descriptions, such as an anatomy-matched cranial plate fit, reflect design intent rather than guaranteed outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the INVAMED cranial plate called?
INVAMED's cranial fixation plate is the Stella Cranial Platinum Plate, a platinum plate used for craniotomy closure, skull reconstruction, and neurosurgical fixation.
What is the regulatory status of these neuro and spine devices?
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
Are titanium cranial plates MRI compatible?
Titanium cranial implants are typically MR Conditional; the specific scanning conditions are stated in the device instructions for use, and imaging staff should be informed of any implant.
Clinical and Technical Context
INVAMED's SpineNav MIS Pedicle Screw System is positioned for pedicle-screw fixation, including minimally invasive placement, within the spinal line. INVAMED's neuro and spine FAQs describe percutaneous disc decompression using minimally invasive mechanical or radiofrequency techniques for contained herniations. Whether an open or percutaneous approach is used is a decision made by the spine surgeon for the individual case. INVAMED lists intraoperative neuromonitoring among the tools in its neuro, spine, and cranial portfolio. In the spine, pedicle screw and rod systems provide rigid fixation to stabilize segments, correct alignment, or support fusion. The use and interpretation of monitoring are handled by the surgical and monitoring team. Interbody fusion cages, often made of PEEK or titanium, are placed between vertebral bodies to restore disc height and promote bony fusion. Neurosurgical fixation restores and stabilizes bone after procedures on the skull and spine, using implants chosen for biocompatibility and imaging compatibility.
Related on INVAMED
- Neuro, Spine & Cranial — product category
- Percutaneous Disc Decompression: How It Works and Why It Matters
- What is a pedicle screw used for?
- A Clinical Introduction to Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw Placement
Important Disclaimer
This content is educational and technical in nature and must not be interpreted as medical advice or as a promise of any clinical outcome. Individual results depend on many factors and can only be evaluated by a treating physician. Figures attributed to INVAMED reflect manufacturer or published data and are not a guarantee of results. All INVAMED devices are to be used by trained clinicians per the approved IFU, and availability is subject to local regulatory status.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.