Rods in spinal surgery: a review of the literature.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Spinal instrumentation has been used for more than five decades. Since the introduction of the Harrington rod in 1962, new rod materials and concepts have been developed. Rigid rod fixation has achieved higher fusion rates than previous methods. Recently, semirigid rod fixation devices have been used for both dynamic stabilization and fusion fixation. Memory rods, which have an interesting ability to return to their pre-bent shape when the temperature increases, are expected to be used for scoliosis correction.

PURPOSE: To review the previous literature regarding biofunctionality and biocompatibility of rods in spinal surgery.

CONCLUSION: The properties of each type of rod need to be taken into consideration when performing spinal instrumentation surgery.