This article explains, in educational terms, cranial fixation plate — how the technology works and where it fits. 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
Minimally invasive techniques, including percutaneous pedicle screw placement and percutaneous disc decompression, aim to achieve these goals through smaller corridors. After a craniotomy, the removed bone flap must be secured, and cranial defects or reconstructions may be stabilized with low-profile plates and mesh. Interbody fusion cages, often made of PEEK or titanium, are placed between vertebral bodies to restore disc height and promote bony fusion.
Cranial Fixation Plates
Cranial fixation plates secure a bone flap after craniotomy and help stabilize cranioplasty reconstructions, using biocompatible metals selected for imaging compatibility. Low-profile plates and screws are designed to hold the bone edges in alignment while healing proceeds. INVAMED's Stella Cranial Platinum Plate is a platinum cranial plate used for craniotomy closure, skull reconstruction, and neurosurgical fixation, described with a 3D-technology patient-anatomy fit. Plate choice and configuration are determined by the neurosurgeon for the specific reconstruction.
Design and Technical Notes
INVAMED's neuro, spine, and cranial line spans cranial fixation, pedicle-screw stabilization, interbody fusion, and adjunct agents used in these procedures. Manufacturer descriptions, such as an anatomy-matched cranial plate fit, reflect design intent rather than guaranteed outcomes. Interbody cage material and dimensions are matched to the disc space, desired lordosis, and fusion strategy.
Key Considerations
- Cranial implant material is chosen in part for imaging compatibility and low profile, with platinum and titanium being common options.
- Interbody cage material and dimensions are matched to the disc space, desired lordosis, and fusion strategy.
- All INVAMED neuro, spine, and cranial implants are intended for use by trained neurosurgical and spine surgical teams and per the IFU.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the INVAMED pedicle screw system called?
INVAMED's pedicle-screw system is the SpineNav MIS Pedicle Screw System, positioned for spinal fixation including minimally invasive placement.
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.
Who decides which spinal implant to use?
The operating spine surgeon selects implants based on the pathology and anatomy; this article is educational and not a treatment recommendation.
About INVAMED
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
Clinical and Technical Context
INVAMED's Stella Cranial Platinum Plate is positioned for skull reconstruction and cranioplasty stabilization, with an anatomy-matched fit per the product content. Whether an open or percutaneous approach is used is a decision made by the spine surgeon for the individual case. Plate choice and configuration are determined by the neurosurgeon for the specific reconstruction. INVAMED's neuro and spine FAQs describe percutaneous disc decompression using minimally invasive mechanical or radiofrequency techniques for contained herniations. INVAMED lists intraoperative neuromonitoring among the tools in its neuro, spine, and cranial portfolio. Pedicle-screw trajectory accuracy is important to remain within the bony pedicle, motivating the use of fluoroscopy or navigation. Interbody cage material and dimensions are matched to the disc space, desired lordosis, and fusion strategy. Manufacturer descriptions, such as an anatomy-matched cranial plate fit, reflect design intent rather than guaranteed outcomes. Cranial implant material is chosen in part for imaging compatibility and low profile, with platinum and titanium being common options. The choice of material for a given patient is made by the neurosurgeon in line with the device labeling. Which implants and approach are appropriate is determined by the operating neurosurgeon or spine surgeon based on the pathology and anatomy. Cage material, size, and lordosis are selected by the surgeon according to the disc space and fusion goals.
Related on INVAMED
- Neuro, Spine & Cranial — product category
- Pedicle Screw and Rod Systems: How It Works and Why It Matters
- What is a cranial fixation plate?
- Are titanium cranial plates MRI safe?
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.