Advances in clinical applications of metal biomaterials for spinal reconstruction

Metallic spinal implants are used to correct spinal deformity and to stabilize the unstable spinal column (instability) for many different pathologies such as trauma, degenerative changes, and tumors. The spinal implants maintain the stability at the site of instability until the solid bony fusion is completed. In the early years of spinal instrumentation surgery, since spinal implants were not able to provide adequate stability after surgery, patients were forced to be bed bound for several months until complete bony fusion was obtained. With the development of recent spinal implants with an excellent mechanical stability, patients are now able to ambulate at 1 or 2 days after surgery. The development of metallic implants for the spine has contributed significantly to save the lives and the quality of life (QOL) of those suffering from various destructive disorders of the spine. In the recent years, as to the rapid increase in the elderly population in the developed countries, there is a steadily rise in the number of surgical treatments for adult spinal deformities with metallic spinal implants.