January 8, 2026
Spinal surgery often involves more than addressing nerves or discs—it may also require specialized hardware to stabilize, support, and protect the spine as it heals. At IGEA Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, advanced spinal instrumentation is used to restore alignment, relieve pain, and promote long-term stability.
Understanding the purpose of spinal hardware can help patients feel more confident and informed about their treatment plan.
Spinal hardware refers to medical-grade implants used during spine surgery to stabilize the spine, correct deformities, and support fusion. These devices hold vertebrae in the proper position while bones heal and fuse together.
Most spinal hardware is made from titanium or other biocompatible materials designed to be strong, durable, and well-tolerated by the body.
Spinal rods are long, thin metal supports attached to screws to help maintain proper spinal alignment. They are commonly used to:
Rods act as a framework that holds the spine in place during healing.
Pedicle screws are placed into specific parts of the vertebrae to anchor rods and other hardware. They:
These screws are a key component of modern spinal fusion procedures.
Spinal cages are placed between vertebrae after disc removal. They:
Cages may be filled with bone graft material to encourage natural fusion over time.
Plates are flat metal devices often used in cervical (neck) spine surgery. They:
Plates are commonly used in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) procedures.
Spinal hardware plays a critical role in successful surgical outcomes by:
In many cases, hardware remains in place permanently and does not need to be removed.
For most patients, spinal hardware is designed to remain in place long-term. Removal is uncommon and typically only considered if:
Your surgeon will discuss whether removal is ever necessary based on your specific condition.