Vertebral Corpectomy

A corpectomy is designed to treat conditions that compromise the structural integrity of the spine or that result in compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots in the spine. The aim is to relieve symptoms including severe pain, neurological deficits, and impaired function. Specific conditions treated by this procedure include:

• Spinal Cord Compression: Whether caused by tumors, trauma, degenerative diseases, or infections, spinal cord compression can lead to severe pain, loss of function, and other neurological symptoms. Corpectomy helps decompress the spinal cord to relieve these symptoms.
• Spinal Instability: Conditions that compromise the structural integrity of the vertebrae can lead to spinal instability. Removing the affected vertebra and stabilizing the spine with hardware (such as rods, screws, or cages) can restore stability.
• Nerve Root Compression: Compression of nerve roots can cause radiculopathy, characterized by pain, numbness, and weakness radiating along the path of the affected nerve. Corpectomy can relieve this compression and alleviate symptoms.
• Spinal tumors may be removed via vertebral corpectomy

A corpectomy is typically employed in cases where less invasive treatments have failed or have been determined to be insufficient. It is used to treat various conditions that cause spinal cord compression including:

1. Spinal tumors: Malignant or benign tumors affecting the vertebrae can cause compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, necessitating the removal of the affected vertebra.
2. Spinal stenosis: A vertebral corpectomy will remove the vertebrae and bone spurs that are causing compression to enlarge the spinal canal.
3. Degenerative disc disease: The goal of a vertebral corpectomy is to remove the pain-generating disc(s) to relieve compression caused by a herniated disc.
4. Osteoarthritis of the spine: Severe cases spinal osteoarthritis, can lead to spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) that might require a corpectomy to alleviate symptoms.
5. Trauma: Fractures or dislocations resulting from severe trauma can damage the vertebrae and compress the spinal cord or nerves. Corpectomy may be required to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure.
6. Infections: Spinal infections, such as osteomyelitis or discitis, can destroy vertebral bodies and cause instability or compression of neural structures, warranting a corpectomy.

A corpectomy almost always requires spinal fusion to ensure the stability and alignment of the spine after the removal of a vertebral body. Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that joins two or more vertebrae together, eliminating motion between them and providing stability to the spinal column. This is essential following a corpectomy because the removal of a vertebral body creates a gap in the spine, which, if left unaddressed, can lead to instability and other complications. Spinal fusion after corpectomy is necessary:

• To restore structural stability. The removal of a vertebral body compromises the structural integrity of the spine. Spinal fusion helps to restore this integrity by providing a solid support structure.
• To prevent deformities. Without fusion, the spine can become misaligned, leading to deformities such as kyphosis (forward curving of the spine) or scoliosis (sideways curving of the spine).
• For pain relief. By stabilizing the spine, spinal fusion helps to reduce pain caused by abnormal movement of the spinal segments.
• To facilitate healing: The fusion process allows the bone graft or implant to integrate with the existing vertebrae, promoting proper healing and long-term stability.

The success of spinal fusion after a corpectomy depends on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, the specific condition being treated, and adherence to postoperative care instructions. Recovery typically involves a hospital stay of a few days to a week, and rehabilitation to regain strength and mobility.

Spinal fusion is a critical component of the vertebral corpectomy procedure, providing the necessary stability and support for the spine following the removal of a vertebral body. This combination of procedures helps to alleviate pain, prevent deformities, and promote long-term spinal health.

A vertebral corpectomy is a critical surgical procedure used to address various serious conditions affecting the spine. By removing the affected vertebral body and stabilizing the spine, this procedure can significantly relieve pain, restore function, and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from spinal cord or nerve root compression.