Cervical Plates: Provide Neck Stability Using Spinal Instrumentation

Susan Spinasanta
Senior Medical Writer
SpineUniverse
Desert Hot Springs, CA

What is a cervical plate?

A cervical plate is a medically designed implant used during spinal instrumentation and fusion procedures to provide neck stability. Cervical plates enhance the rate of fusion and, in some cases, may reduce the need for external bracing following surgery.

cervical plate instrumentation hardware anterior drawing msd

Fig1: Cervical Plate

How many plates are needed?

Depending on the procedure and the number of spinal levels involved, one or more plates are implanted. The plate is held in place by screws set into adjacent vertebrae.

What are plates made of?

Titanium is the metal of choice for many spinal implants including plates and screws because it has a high resistance to corrosion and fatigue, and is MRI compatible.

Are all plates the same size?

No. The plates and screws come in different lengths and screws are available at fixed or variable angles. Plates are designed for either anterior (front) or posterior (rear) placement.

cervical plate instrumentation hardware lateral drawing msd

Fig 2: Lateral View ~
Screws Hold Cervical Plate in Place

Cervical plates are part of an instrumentation system, which provides the surgeon with specialized tools to perform a precision fit. The plates are manufactured to conform to the contour of the spine. When the plate requires adjustment, a contouring tool is used to customize the fit to the patient's cervical anatomy.

What causes cervical instability?

spine, lateral and posterior views, labeled, color

Cervical instability can result from trauma, congenital deformity, or spinal reconstruction. Pseudoarthrosis, or the nonunion of bone (e.g. fracture), is another cause of cervical instability. How is a cervical plate used? Cervical fusion may be performed to relieve pressure on nerves, nerve roots or the spinal cord. During the procedure, the offending element (e.g. intervertebral disc) is removed, the empty space is filled with bone graft, and a cervical plate is securely fit covering the bone graft. The cervical plate keeps the bone graft in place and provides stability between the vertebrae above and below the graft site. This stability facilitates fusion - a joining of bony structures.

Last Updated: 08/06/2007

What is this?

Editorial Board Comments on SpineUniverse

SpineUniverse is committed to ensuring that all information on its site is trustworthy and of the highest quality. To maintain the site's quality, SpineUniverse relies on its exceptional Editorial Board. The Editorial Board is a "Who's Who" of more than 60 leading spine specialists, including surgeons, pain management specialists, chiropractors, nurses, physical therapists and more.