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Neuro, Spine & CranialMay 16, 2025INVAMED Medical Affairs

Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM): How It Works and Why It Matters

How intraoperative neuromonitoring works: an educational, technical overview covering the mechanism, applications, considerations, and INVAMED's related…

This article explains, in educational terms, intraoperative neuromonitoring — 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

Neurosurgical fixation restores and stabilizes bone after procedures on the skull and spine, using implants chosen for biocompatibility and imaging compatibility. Interbody fusion cages, often made of PEEK or titanium, are placed between vertebral bodies to restore disc height and promote bony fusion. After a craniotomy, the removed bone flap must be secured, and cranial defects or reconstructions may be stabilized with low-profile plates and mesh.

Intraoperative Neuromonitoring (IONM)

Intraoperative neuromonitoring tracks nerve and spinal cord signals during surgery to help the team detect changes that could indicate risk to neural structures. Monitoring can inform decisions during screw placement, decompression, and correction maneuvers. INVAMED lists intraoperative neuromonitoring among the tools in its neuro, spine, and cranial portfolio. The use and interpretation of monitoring are handled by the surgical and monitoring team.

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. 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.

Key Considerations

  • All INVAMED neuro, spine, and cranial implants are intended for use by trained neurosurgical and spine surgical teams and per the IFU.
  • Interbody cage material and dimensions are matched to the disc space, desired lordosis, and fusion strategy.
  • Cranial implant material is chosen in part for imaging compatibility and low profile, with platinum and titanium being common options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does INVAMED offer PEEK interbody cages?

Yes. INVAMED's spinal portfolio includes PEEK interbody fusion cages and cervical cages alongside its pedicle-screw and rod systems.

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 pedicle screw system called?

INVAMED's pedicle-screw system is the SpineNav MIS Pedicle Screw System, positioned for spinal fixation including minimally invasive placement.

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

Cranial implant material is chosen in part for imaging compatibility and low profile, with platinum and titanium being common options. INVAMED's SpineNav system is designed to support minimally invasive pedicle-screw placement. INVAMED's SpineNav MIS Pedicle Screw System is positioned for pedicle-screw fixation, including minimally invasive placement, within the spinal line. Neurosurgical fixation restores and stabilizes bone after procedures on the skull and spine, using implants chosen for biocompatibility and imaging compatibility. INVAMED's spinal portfolio includes PEEK interbody fusion cages and cervical cages within its neuro, spine, and cranial line. INVAMED lists intraoperative neuromonitoring among the tools in its neuro, spine, and cranial portfolio. Cage material, size, and lordosis are selected by the surgeon according to the disc space and fusion goals. Plate choice and configuration are determined by the neurosurgeon for the specific reconstruction. INVAMED's Stella Cranial Platinum Plate is a platinum-based cranial plate offered within the cranial fixation line. All INVAMED neuro, spine, and cranial implants are intended for use by trained neurosurgical and spine surgical teams and per the IFU. Interbody cage material and dimensions are matched to the disc space, desired lordosis, and fusion strategy. Pedicle-screw trajectory accuracy is important to remain within the bony pedicle, motivating the use of fluoroscopy or navigation.

Related on INVAMED

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.

Reviewed by: INVAMED Medical Affairs

This content is prepared for educational purposes for healthcare professionals and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult clinical guidelines and product instructions for use.

Intraoperative Neuromonitoringcranial fixation platepedicle screw systemminimally invasive pedicle screwtitaniumplatinumsizes