Patient Information: Spine

The center of a human body is the spine. It stabilizes the trunk, enables an upright posture and protects the internal organs. Especially in motor movements, the spine is a crucial support for the spinal cord and the continuous nerve fibers. Here, the spine plays the role of protector and encases our important spinal cord to protect it from possible damage. Often, a pinched nerve is enough here to feel a tingling sensation, numbness, or a restriction of movement.

Pain and discomfort in the spine are the most common health problems that can limit us in our daily lives. The connection of more than 24 vertebrae and 23 intervertebral discs allows the spine to move flexibly. If a nerve becomes pinched or damaged, discomfort and pain can quickly develop. At a young age, conservative methods are sufficient to release possible entrapments and to start everyday life again without restrictions. However, with increasing age, other causes of pain can become apparent. One of the most common complaints and pain triggers is osteoarthritis. This can occur within the spine due to wear and tear or when the intervertebral disc ruptures.

If you experience discomfort or pain, the first step is to visit your primary care physician.

Please describe the exact problem to your doctor and try to alleviate or solve the cause together using conservative methods. If conservative methods are not effective or do not resolve the cause, you should discuss possible solutions with the physician involved. If the only remaining solution is spinal surgery, do not let this deter you. Spinal surgery is a routine procedure and can be performed without major complications in this day and age and with today’s assistive devices. For certain indications, a rod-screw system is then used.

Note: Please always consult a specialist before undergoing any procedure and seek a second opinion if necessary.

MIS Z-Pedicle Screw System (rod-screw-system)

What is a rod-screw-system?
A rod-screw system is a combination of several pedicle screws (screws for the spine) and rods that connect the individual pedicle screws.

When is a rod-screw-system used?
The rod-screw system from Z-Medical (MIS Z-Pedicle Screw System) is used for fixation, reconstruction and fusion of vertebral bodies in the non-cervical region of the spine. The MIS Z-Pedicle Screw System is intended for the following indications:

  • Degenerative disc disease (DDD) (age-related wear and tear of the intervertebral disc)
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Trauma (i.e. fracture or dislocation)
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Curvatures (i.e. scoliosis, kyphosis and / or lordosis)
  • Tumor
  • Pseudoarthrosis
  • Failed previous fusion

How does the rod-screw-system get inserted?
The restoration with a rod-screw-system is performed under general anesthesia. The individual pedicle screws and rods are inserted minimally invasively (MIS). Different from an open surgery, the method involves several smaller incisions (about 15mm long) to allow the fastest as well as the safest healing process.

How does the rod-screw-system work?
In the rod-screw-system, the load to be taken from the spine is carried by the rods. For this purpose, the pedicle screws must be connected to the rod as well as to the spine. The pedicle screws are inserted into the vertebral body, more precisely into the vertebral arch (pedicle). The number of pedicle screws depends on the indication and position of the impairment. The rod is then inserted and threaded through the individual pedicle screws. The rod is then fixed in position using the set screw, which is already inside the pedicle screw. This step is repeated for the remaining pedicle screws and then the lengthening shafts are broken off.

What are the advantages of the system?
The innovative and unique design of the Z-Pedicle Screw from Z-Medical GmbH + Co. KG means that the MIS Z-Pedicle Screw System offers many advantages. The system is designed for easy and quick application to achieve the shortest possible anesthesia time. Furthermore, the procedures are all minimally invasive and significantly shorter in procedure duration as well as in the amount of blood loss.

  • Short anesthesia time
  • Minor blood loss
  • Short scar length
  • Reduction of damage to surrounding tissues
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Better recovery and mobility progress

Precautions

  • Please follow all the instructions your doctor discusses with you and express your questions to your doctor before and after the surgery!
  • If complications occur after the operation, which are related to the surgery or the implants, contact your doctor immediately!
  • Avoid strong physical activities as well as stress directly after the implantation.
  • Have your doctor inform you about possible side effects of anesthesia (e.g. nausea, vomiting, dental injuries, etc.).


Lifetime
The pedicle screws and rods are implants with the primary function is to help support the healing process after surgery. Fusion should occur within 12 weeks after surgery. After healing, the implant must be removed. If there is too high a risk with further surgery, the medical device may remain implanted for life. This must be discussed individually with the attending physician.

Material
The pedicle screws and the rods are both made of a medical titanium alloy TI6AL4V ELI. Titanium forms the bulk of the alloy, about 6% aluminum, about 4% vanadium and traces of remaining elements (iron, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen) which may have a total maximum content of <0.53%.

SZ-Pedicle Screw System (rod-screw-system)

What is a rod-screw-system? (identical to the Z-Pedicle Screw)
A rod-screw system is a combination of several pedicle screws (screws for the spine) and rods that connect the individual pedicle screws.

When is a rod-screw-system used?
The rod-screw system from Z-Medical (SZ-Pedicle Screw System) is used for fixation, reconstruction and fusion of vertebral bodies in the non-cervical region of the spine. The SZ-Pedicle Screw System is intended for the following indications:

  • Degenerative disc disease (DDD) (age-related wear and tear of the intervertebral disc)
  • Spondylolisthesis
  • Trauma (i.e. fracture or dislocation)
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Tumor
  • Pseudoarthrosis
  • Failed previous fusion

How does the rod-screw-system get inserted?
The restoration with a rod-screw-system is performed under general anesthesia. The individual pedicle screws as well as rods are inserted during open surgery. For this purpose, an incision is made along the spine.

How does the rod-screw-system work?
In the rod-screw-system, the load to be taken from the spine is carried by the rods. For this purpose, the pedicle screws must be connected to the rod as well as to the spine. Tulip Adapters are used and must be placed on the SZ-Pedicle Screws before use. The pedicle screws are inserted into the vertebral body, more precisely into the vertebral arch (pedicle). The number of pedicle screws depends on the indication and position of the impairment. The rod is then inserted and threaded through the individual pedicle screws. The rod is then fixed in position using the set screw, which is already inside the pedicle screw. This step is repeated for the remaining pedicle screws and then the Tulip Adapters are removed again.

What are the advantages of the system?
The innovative and unique design of the SZ-Pedicle Screw from Z-Medical GmbH + Co. KG means that the SZ-Pedicle Screw System offers many advantages. The system is designed for easy and quick application to achieve the shortest possible anesthesia time. It is preferably intended for open surgery to ensure a wide-angle view. Furthermore, the system offers the possibility to perform the surgery in a minimally invasive procedure.

  • Easy handling
  • No uncontrolled injury of further tissue
  • Wider visibility


Precautions (identical to the Z-Pedicle Screw)

  • Please follow all the instructions your doctor discusses with you and express your questions to your doctor before and after the surgery!
  • If complications occur after the operation, which are related to the surgery or the implants, contact your doctor immediately!
  • Avoid strong physical activities as well as stress directly after the implantation.
  • Have your doctor inform you about possible side effects of anesthesia (e.g. nausea, vomiting, dental injuries, etc.).

Lifetime (identical to the Z-Pedicle Screw)
The pedicle screws and rods are implants with the primary function is to help support the healing process after surgery. Fusion should occur within 12 weeks after surgery. After healing, the implant must be removed. If there is too high a risk with further surgery, the medical device may remain implanted for life. This must be discussed individually with the attending physician.

Material (identical to the Z-Pedicle Screw)
The pedicle screws and the rods are both made of a medical titanium alloy TI6AL4V ELI. Titanium forms the bulk of the alloy, about 6% aluminum, about 4% vanadium and traces of remaining elements (iron, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen) which may have a total maximum content of <0.53%.