Polyaxial screw
Polyaxial Screw
Polyaxial screw (pronunciation: /ˌpɒliˈæksɪəl ˈskruː/) is a type of orthopedic screw used in spinal surgery to secure implants to the vertebrae.
Etymology
The term "polyaxial" is derived from the Greek words "poly" meaning many, and "axia" meaning axis. This refers to the screw's ability to rotate around multiple axes. The term "screw" comes from the Latin "screwus", referring to its spiral shape.
Description
A polyaxial screw is a specialized type of screw used in spinal surgery. It has a head that can rotate in multiple directions, allowing for greater flexibility in attaching the screw to the vertebrae and connecting it to other components of the spinal implant system. This flexibility can be particularly useful in surgeries where the alignment of the vertebrae is not straightforward, such as in cases of scoliosis or kyphosis.
Related Terms
- Orthopedic: The branch of medicine dealing with the correction of deformities of bones or muscles.
- Screw: A type of fastener, typically made of metal, and characterized by a helical ridge, known as a male thread (external thread).
- Spinal Surgery: A surgical procedure that involves the modification of the affected parts of the spine.
- Implants: A medical device manufactured to replace a missing biological structure, support a damaged biological structure, or enhance an existing biological structure.
- Vertebrae: The individual, interlocking bones that stack to make the spinal column.
- Scoliosis: A medical condition in which a person's spine has a sideways curve.
- Kyphosis: A spinal disorder in which an excessive outward curve of the spine results in an abnormal rounding of the upper back.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Polyaxial screw
- Wikipedia's article - Polyaxial screw
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