Below is an educational, technical answer to a question many patients and clinicians ask. Neurosurgical fixation restores and stabilizes bone after procedures on the skull and spine, using implants chosen for biocompatibility and imaging compatibility. 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
Which implants and approach are appropriate is determined by the operating neurosurgeon or spine surgeon based on the pathology and anatomy. 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.
How are pedicle screws placed?
Pedicle screws are inserted into the vertebral pedicles, either through an open exposure or percutaneously through small incisions with image guidance. Correct trajectory is important to remain within the bony pedicle, which is why fluoroscopy or navigation is commonly used. INVAMED's SpineNav system is designed to support minimally invasive percutaneous placement. The technique and trajectory are determined and executed by the operating spine surgeon.
What This Means in Practice
All INVAMED neuro, spine, and cranial implants are intended for use by trained neurosurgical and spine surgical teams and per the IFU. Percutaneous disc decompression is reserved for selected contained herniations as judged by the clinician. Manufacturer descriptions, such as an anatomy-matched cranial plate fit, reflect design intent rather than guaranteed outcomes.
Key Considerations
- All INVAMED neuro, spine, and cranial implants are intended for use by trained neurosurgical and spine surgical teams and per the IFU.
- Cranial implant material is chosen in part for imaging compatibility and low profile, with platinum and titanium being common options.
- Percutaneous disc decompression is reserved for selected contained herniations as judged by the clinician.
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.
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.
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
The use and interpretation of monitoring are handled by the surgical and monitoring team. Neurosurgical fixation restores and stabilizes bone after procedures on the skull and spine, using implants chosen for biocompatibility and imaging compatibility. In the spine, pedicle screw and rod systems provide rigid fixation to stabilize segments, correct alignment, or support fusion. INVAMED's SpineNav MIS Pedicle Screw System is positioned for pedicle-screw fixation, including minimally invasive placement, within the spinal line. INVAMED's Stella Cranial Platinum Plate is positioned for skull reconstruction and cranioplasty stabilization, with an anatomy-matched fit per the product content. Interbody fusion cages, often made of PEEK or titanium, are placed between vertebral bodies to restore disc height and promote bony fusion. Plate choice and configuration are determined by the neurosurgeon for the specific reconstruction. Minimally invasive techniques, including percutaneous pedicle screw placement and percutaneous disc decompression, aim to achieve these goals through smaller corridors. Whether an open or percutaneous approach is used is a decision made by the spine surgeon for the individual case. Percutaneous disc decompression is reserved for selected contained herniations as judged by the clinician. Manufacturer descriptions, such as an anatomy-matched cranial plate fit, reflect design intent rather than guaranteed outcomes. 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
- SpineNav MIS Pedicle Screw System: Features, Specifications and Clinical Role
- NeuroFill Stabilizator Agent: What Clinicians and Buyers Should Know
- Neuro, Spine & Cranial: A Complete Technical Guide
Important Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational and technical information about medical device technologies. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and it does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Any decision about diagnosis or treatment should be made by a licensed clinician based on an individual assessment. INVAMED devices are intended for use by trained healthcare professionals in accordance with the applicable Instructions for Use (IFU) and local regulatory approvals. Product availability and indications vary by country.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.