What is the difference between segmental and non-segmental spinal instrumentation?
Most often, when surgery spans multiple levels of the spine, the surgeon will use segmental instrumentation. If the procedure requires the insertion of instrumentation between two vertebrae, non-segmental instrumentation will be used.
What is a segmental or non-segmental instrumentation?
CPT defines “segmental instrumentation” as involving “fixation at each end of the construct and at least one additional interposed bony attachment.” Non-segmental instrumentation is defined as “fixation at each end of the construct and may span several vertebral segments without attachment of the intervening segments.” …
What is an autograft for spine surgery?
An autograft is transplanted bone taken (called harvesting) from the patient’s body. Autograft is considered the gold standard of bone grafts because it contains the patient’s bone cells, proteins, and calcified matrix, all of which help to stimulate healing of the fusion.
What are vertebral segments?
CPT defines the Vertebral Segment as the basic constituent part into which the spine may be divided. It represents a single complete vertebral bone with its associated articular processes and laminae. Vertebral Interspace.
What is internal fixation of the spine?
Immobilization of the spine (usually with implants such as metallic screws and rods/plates, or interbody cages). Internal fixation serves to immobilize the spine while the bony bridge heals across the two vertebrae.
What is an example of nonsegmental internal fixation?
The Harrington rod is an example of nonsegmental internal fixation and was commonly used in Scoliosis, for which it was invented.
What is a metal fixation of the spine?
Metal fixation of the spine is considered a temporary splint to the spine to hold it while it fuses. If it fails to fuse (pseudoarthrosis) the metal can fatigue from the continued motion and may eventually break, pullout or loosen.
What is non segmental instrumentation CPT?
Non-segmental instrumentation in CPT is defined as “fixation at each end of the construct.” For example, a rod that is only attached to the spine at its top and bottom ends. Most often, when surgery spans multiple levels of the spine, the surgeon will use segmental instrumentation.