How do you choose between titanium and cobalt-chromium rods in a patient undergoing multilevel posterior spinal fusion?

I very much favor titanium due to its increased ductility (with improved MRI compatibility as an extra). It is critical to remember that the instrumentation is there solely to stabilize until fusion occurs, NOT to substitute for fusion-related stability. If you are a strong advocate of anterior colu...

Cobalt chromium for large constructs that go from the thoracolumbar junction to the pelvis or cross the cervico-thoracic junction. All others titanium.