A board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Crystal River, Florida, Dr. Constantine Toumbis joined the Citrus Spine Institute in 2016. In addition to treating a variety of neck and spine conditions, Constantine Toumbis, MD, designed Alphatec's Next Generation Pedicle Screw.
A surgeon may use a pedicle screw during spinal fusion surgery to grip a spinal segment, providing support and strength as the fusion heals. Instead of directly fixating the spinal segment, the screws create anchor points connected by a rod. The surgeon places the screws above and below the fused vertebrae, then uses the rod to connect the screws. In this way, the device prevents movement of the bone graft and allows it to heal.
When healing is complete, the surgeon may either remove the screws and rod or leave them in place. Typically, screws are only removed if they cause the patient pain or discomfort. According to research on posterolateral gutter fusion surgeries, the use of pedical screws improved spinal fusion rates from 60 percent to 90 percent.






