This guide offers an educational, technical overview of neuro, spine & cranial and the device technologies used in this field. Which implants and approach are appropriate is determined by the operating neurosurgeon or spine surgeon based on the pathology and anatomy. 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. Interbody fusion cages, often made of PEEK or titanium, are placed between vertebral bodies to restore disc height and promote bony fusion. In the spine, pedicle screw and rod systems provide rigid fixation to stabilize segments, correct alignment, or support fusion.
Core Technologies and Options
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. Cranioplasty Reconstruction. Cranioplasty repairs a skull defect, whether from prior surgery or trauma, restoring contour and protecting the underlying brain. Plates and mesh can secure a bone flap or a reconstructive implant to the surrounding skull. Titanium and Platinum Cranial Materials. Cranial implants use biocompatible metals such as titanium and platinum, chosen in part for their imaging compatibility and long-term tissue tolerance. Material selection can influence artifact on imaging and the profile of the implant beneath the scalp. Pedicle Screw and Rod Systems. Pedicle screws anchor into the vertebral pedicles and connect to rods to provide rigid spinal fixation for stabilization, alignment correction, or fusion support. Polyaxial screw heads allow the rod to be seated across screws that are not perfectly collinear. Minimally Invasive Pedicle Screw Placement. Minimally invasive, or percutaneous, pedicle screw placement inserts screws through small incisions, often with fluoroscopic or navigation guidance. The approach aims to reduce soft-tissue disruption compared with a traditional open exposure. Interbody Fusion Cages. Interbody cages are placed in the disc space to restore height, support load, and hold graft material that promotes fusion between adjacent vertebrae. PEEK cages offer a radiolucent option with a modulus closer to bone, while titanium cages provide a metallic scaffold with a surface that may support bony integration.
Comparing the Approaches
Titanium cranial implant vs PEEK cranial implant. Titanium cranial implants are metallic and durable with established biocompatibility, while PEEK implants are radiolucent and have a stiffness closer to bone. INVAMED's cranial line features the platinum-based Stella plate for fixation and reconstruction. Open pedicle screw placement vs Percutaneous placement. Open pedicle screw placement exposes the spine directly for screw insertion, while percutaneous placement uses small incisions with image guidance. INVAMED's SpineNav system is designed to support minimally invasive percutaneous placement. Rigid spinal fixation vs Dynamic stabilization. Rigid fixation with screws and rods locks a segment to support fusion or correct deformity, while dynamic stabilization is intended to allow controlled motion. INVAMED's SpineNav pedicle-screw system provides rigid fixation within the spinal line.
INVAMED Portfolio in This Area
INVAMED's related devices include: Stella Cranial Platinum Plate, NeuroFill Stabilizator Agent, SpineNav MIS Pedicle Screw System. Detailed specifications for each are provided in the product documentation.
Key Considerations
- Cranial implant material is chosen in part for imaging compatibility and low profile, with platinum and titanium being common options.
- 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
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.
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.
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.
About INVAMED
INVAMED operates a dedicated R&D center (INVAcenter) focused on minimally invasive device development. INVAMED is a medical device manufacturer headquartered in Ankara, Turkey, founded in 2005.
Related on INVAMED
- Neuro, Spine & Cranial — product category
- A Clinical Introduction to Interbody Fusion Cages
- Sourcing Neuro, Spine & Cranial Devices: A Manufacturer and Procurement Guide
- Cranial Fixation Plates Explained — A 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.