During the operation a combination of metal screws, metal plates and metal rods are used to hold the spine in the correct position to allow the fusion to occur over the next several months. These metal implants will remain in the body and will not be removed unless they cause problems. In some cases, an operation to stabilize the fractured vertebra can be performed through an incision in the back. This type of procedure can allow the surgeon to use metal screws and metal rods to hold the vertebrae in the correct alignment while the fractured vertebrae heals. The posterior approach is more useful when there is not a great deal of pressure on the spinal cord and the surgeon is trying to prevent the fractured vertebra from collapsing more.
Spinal surgery is obviously a serious undertaking.
Because of the risks and complications associated with spinal surgery, internal fixation is only done in serious cases. With any surgery, there is the risk of complications. When surgery is done near the spine and spinal cord complications can be very serious - if they occur. The chance that any of these complications will occur during your surgery or follow-up rehabilitation is usually very small. You should discuss these complications with your doctor before surgery if you have any questions that are not answered here.