About the MAST QUADRANT™ Retractor System
The MAST QUADRANT™ Retractor System offers surgeons a minimally invasive spine surgery option for performing spinal decompression and fusion.
The MAST QUADRANT™ Retractor System may be used for decompression and spinal fusion procedures. Spinal decompression involves relieving pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerves caused by a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc by removing all or part of the disc. Spinal fusion involves stabilizing the vertebral segment by fusing, or bonding together, the vertebrae using bone grafts and instrumentation such as plates, rods and screws.
Minimally invasive spine surgery differs from traditional, open spine surgery in that the open approach involves making a long incision down the back, stripping large bands of muscle away from the spine and then retracting, or pulling to each side, the surrounding muscles so the surgeon can get a clear view of the vertebrae of the spine to be treated.
Minimally invasive spine surgery requires a small incision, muscle dilation and the use of microsurgical and image guided technologies to access, view and repair spinal deterioration or damage. Muscle dilation involves gently and gradually separating, rather than cutting and stripping the muscles that surround the spine to create a "tunnel" through which your surgeon may view the spine and perform surgery.
Using the MAST QUADRANT™ Retractor System surgeons may gain clear access to the vertebrae to be treated and also place the bone grafts and instrumentation required for spinal fusion, but with as little disruption to the surrounding muscles, nerves and other soft tissues as possible.
To learn more about minimally invasive spine surgery, talk to your spinal surgeon. To find a spine surgeon who performs minimally invasive spine surgery, visit our Find A Doctor locator.
It is important that you discuss the potential risks, complications, and benefits of the MAST QUADRANT™ Retractor System with your doctor prior to receiving treatment, and that you rely on your physician's judgment. Only your doctor can determine whether you are a suitable candidate for this treatment.
The materials on this Web site are for your general educational information only. Information you read on this Web site cannot replace the relationship that you have with your health care professional. We do not practice medicine or provide medical services or advice as a part of this Web site. You should always talk to your health care professional for diagnosis and treatment.
