Palliative subtotal vertebrectomy with anterior and posterior reconstruction via a single posterior approach

Advances in the multidisciplinary surgical approach to primary spinal sarcomas: insights from a retrospective case series on outcomes and survival

INTRODUCTION

The management of spinal sarcomas is complex, given their widespread involvement and high recurrence rates. Despite consensus on the need for a multidisciplinary approach with surgery at its core, there is a lack of definitive guidelines for clinical decision-making. This study examines a case series of primary spinal sarcomas, focusing on the surgical strategies, clinical results, and survival data to inform and guide therapeutic practices.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent surgical resection for primary spinal sarcomas between 2005 and 2022. The study focused on gathering data on patient demographics, surgical details, postoperative complications, overall hospital stay, and mortality within 90 days post-surgery.

RESULTS

The study included 14 patients with a primary diagnosis of spinal sarcoma, with an average age of 48.6 ± 12.6 years. Chondrosarcoma emerged as the most common tumor type, representing 57.1% of cases, followed by Ewing sarcoma at 35.7%, and synovial sarcoma at 7.1%. Patients with chondrosarcoma were treated with en-bloc resection, while the patient with synovial sarcoma underwent intra-lesional excision and those with Ewing sarcoma received decompression and tumor debulking. Postoperative assessments revealed significant improvements in neurological conditions. Notably, functional status as measured by the Karnofski Performance Index (KPI), improved substantially post-surgery (from 61.4 to 80.0%) The mean follow-up was 34.9 ± 9.2 months. During this time period one patient experienced fatal bleeding after en-bloc resection complications involving the vena cava. None of the patient needed further surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our 16-year study offers vital insights into managing primary spinal sarcomas, showcasing the effectiveness of surgical intervention, particularly en-bloc resection. Despite their rarity and complexity, our multidisciplinary treatment approach yields improved outcomes and highlights the potential for refined surgical strategies to become standardized care in this challenging domain.

The treatment of tuberculosis in the upper thoracic spine using the small incision technique through the third rib

Background

The complex anatomical structure of the upper thoracic spine makes it challenging to achieve surgical exposure, resulting in significant surgical risks and difficulties. Posterior surgery alone fails to adequately address and reconstruct upper thoracic lesions due to limited exposure. While the anterior approach offers advantages in fully exposing the anterior thoracic lesions, the surgical procedure itself is highly intricate. Although there exist various anterior approaches for the upper thoracic spine, the incidence of upper thoracic spine lesions is relatively low. Consequently, there are limited reports on the treatment and reconstruction of upper thoracic spine lesions using the third rib small incision approach in the context of upper thoracic tuberculosis.

Methods

We collected data from four patients with upper thoracic tuberculosis who were admitted to our department between July 2017 and November 2022. The treatment for upper thoracic tuberculosis involved utilizing the third rib small incision approach, which included two cases of thoracic 3-4 vertebral tuberculosis, one case of thoracic 4 vertebral tuberculosis, and one case of thoracic 5 vertebral tuberculosis. Among the patients, three were positioned in the left lateral position, while one was positioned in the right lateral position. Prior to admission, all four patients received a two-week course of oral medication, consisting of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. After the surgical procedure, they continued receiving anti-tuberculosis treatment for a duration of 12 months.

Results

The average duration of the surgical procedure was 150 min, with an average blood loss of 500 ml. One patient exhibited symptoms of brachial plexus injury, which gradually improved after careful observation. All patients experienced primary wound healing, and no complications such as pulmonary infection, respiratory failure, or other adverse events were observed. Additionally, one patient showed elevated transaminase levels, leading to a modification in the anti-tuberculosis drug regimen from quadruple therapy to triple therapy.

Conclusion

The treatment of upper thoracic tuberculosis through the third rib small incision technique is a very good surgical approach, which has the advantages of safety and effectiveness.

Non-fusion palliative spine surgery without reconstruction is safe and effective in spinal metastasis patients: retrospective study

Considering the shorter life expectancy and poorer prognosis of metastatic epidural spinal cord compression patients, anterior reconstruction and fusion may be unnecessary. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of palliative surgery for metastatic epidural spinal cord compression with neurological deficit among patients who underwent posterior decompression and instrumentation without fusion or anterior reconstruction. This single-center retrospective review included all patients aged > 18 years with thoracic or lumbar spinal metastasis who were surgically treated for metastatic spinal cord compression without fusion or anterior reconstruction at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand during July 2015 to December 2017. Data from preoperation to the 1-year follow-up, including demographic and clinical data, Frankel classification, pain scores, complication, revision surgery, health-related quality-of-life scores, and survival data, were collected and analyzed. A total of 30 patients were included. The mean age was 59.83 ± 11.73 years, and 20 (66.7%) patients were female. The mean operative time was 208.17 ± 58.41 min. At least one Frankel grade improvement was reported in 53.33% of patients. The pain visual analog scale, the EuroQOL five-dimension five-level utility score, and the Oswestry Disability Index were all significantly improved at a minimum of 3 months after surgery. No intraoperative mortality or instrument-related complication was reported. The mean survival duration was 11.4 ± 8.97 months. Palliative non-fusion surgery without anterior reconstruction may be considered as a preferable choice for treating spinal metastasis patients with spinal cord compression with neurological deficits.

Transpedicular 3D endoscope-assisted thoracic corpectomy for separation surgery in spinal metastases: feasibility of the technique and preliminary results of a promising experience

Surgery for spinal metastases has undergone multiple transformations in terms of surgical technique. The need for a more aggressive surgical strategy for local control of the disease, given the advances in radiosurgery and immunotherapy, has met the incorporation of many different technological adjuncts. Separation surgery has become one of the main targets to achieve for surgeons in the treatment of spinal metastases. In this paper a prospective series of 3D endoscope-assisted transpedicular thoracic corpectomies is described. Adult patients with a diagnosis of single-level thoracic metastases requiring surgery for epidural compression were included. Data recorded for each case concerned patient demographics, surgical technique, clinical, radiological and surgical data, intra- and postoperative complications, follow-up. The goal of this study was to verify the achievement of separation surgery with this technique, while confirming the safety and feasibility of the procedure. A total number of nine patients were treated from January to April 2019 with a 3D endoscope-assisted procedure. A circumferential bilateral decompression was achieved in seven cases, while monolateral in the other two. A proper separation between the tumor and the spinal cord was achieved in all cases as confirmed by imaging. Axial pain always improved after the procedure as well as neurological functions, when compromised before surgery. No intra-operative and postoperative complications were recorded. Mean hospital stay was 4 days after surgery with early mobilization. At last follow-up no local recurrences were registered. According to preliminary results, the transpedicular 3D endoscope-assisted approach for corpectomies appeared to be a safe and effective technique to achieve proper circumferential decompression and valid separation surgery in thoracic metastases, potentially decreasing the need for costotransversectomy.

One-Stage Wedge Osteotomy Through Posterolateral Approach for Cervical Postlaminectomy Kyphosis with Anterior Fusion

OBJECTIVE

Osteotomy through anterior exposure is challenging with severe complications for upper cervical kyphosis (CK), especially for cases with previous anterior fusion. A novel technique comprising 1-stage osteotomy via a posterolateral-only approach is introduced for treatment of CK secondary to C2-4 laminectomy for neurofibroma removal and subsequent anterior fusion.

METHODS

A 42-year-old man presented with progressive numbness and weakness of upper and lower limbs. As an adolescent, he underwent posterior laminectomy and neurofibroma excision without effective fixation and anterior C2-4 vertebra fusion 6 years later. Sagittal computed tomography indicated that Cobb angle between C2 and C6 was 68° with complete fusion between C2 and C4 vertebral bodies. Secondary CK was diagnosed based on medical history and radiographic findings, and modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale score was 10. Piezosurgery was used for osteotomy by shortening the vertebral height through posterolateral approach after cervical pedicle screw placement. Occipitocervical fusion was performed with compression between C2 and C4.

RESULTS

Cobb angle was adjusted to 8° postoperatively. Modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score increased to 14 with obvious muscle strength improvement. The 6-month postoperative x-ray indicated good position of C2-4 vertebrae and occipitocervical fixation system. No neurologic complications or local recurrence was found at final follow-up at 8 months. The patient returned to work in his full capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary outcomes reveal wedge osteotomy via piezosurgery through a posterolateral-only approach is feasible and effective in revision surgery for upper CK with previous anterior fusion.

Management of Pediatric Posttraumatic Thoracolumbar Vertebral Body Burst Fractures by Use of Single-Stage Posterior Transpedicular Approach

PURPOSE

The posterior transpedicular approach (PTA) is a posterior approach that has the advantage of achieving circumferential arthrodesis by a single posterior-only approach. The purpose of this study was to analyze our experience with PTA in the management of pediatric traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures (TTLBFs).

METHODS

Consecutive pediatric patients (age ≤18 years) with TTLBFs treated with PTA for 6 years were included in this retrospective study. Correction of kyphotic deformity and change in neurologic status were analyzed to assess outcome. The Cobb angle and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grade were used for this purpose.

RESULTS

There were 6 male and 8 female patients. Five patients had complete injury (ASIA-A), and 9 had incomplete injury. The mean Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity score was 6.71. The mean preoperative Cobb angle was 14.71° and improved to -3.35° postoperatively (mean kyphosis correction -18.05°). Two of the patients experienced iatrogenic nerve root injury. There was 1 postoperative mortality due to complications unrelated to the surgery. The mean Cobb angle was -0.07° at the 32.2-month follow-up visit. Six patients experienced cage subsidence, but none required revision surgery. Postoperatively, 11 (78.5%) patients showed neurologic improvement, and none experienced deterioration. The average ASIA score improved from 2.5 to 3.78. A fusion rate of 100% (n = 12) was observed at the last follow-up visit.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrates that PTA is a feasible approach in selected pediatric patients with unstable traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures, with results comparable with those in the adult population. This study demonstrates in detail the procedure, along with the neurologic and radiologic outcomes of this approach in the pediatric population.

Neurological Outcome Following Surgical Treatment of Spinal Metastases

Background:

Spinal metastases lead to bony instability and spinal cord compression resulting in intractable pain and neurological deficits which affect ambulatory function and quality of life. The most appropriate treatment for spinal metastasis is still debated.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to evaluate clinical outcome, quality of life, complications, and survival after surgical treatment of spinal metastases.

Methods:

Retrospective review of patients with spinal metastases surgically treated at our facility between March 2008 and March 2013 was performed. Evaluations include hospital charts, initial and interval imaging studies, neurological outcome, and surgical complications. Follow-up examinations were performed every 3 months after surgery.

Results:

Seventy patients underwent surgical intervention for treatment of spinal metastasis in our institution. There were 27 women and 43 men. The preoperative pain was reported in 65 patients (93%), whereas postoperative complete pain relief was reported in 16 patients (24%), and pain levels decreased in 38 patients (58%). Preoperative 39 patients were ambulant and 31 patients were nonambulant. Postoperative 52 patients were ambulant and 18 patients were nonambulant. Postoperative complications were experienced in 10 (14.2%) patients, and the patient survival rate was 71% (50 patients) at 3 months, 49% (34 patients) at 1 year. The postoperative 30-day mortality rate was 4.2%.

Conclusion:

Surgical decompression for a metastatic spinal tumor can improve the quality of life in a substantially high percentage of patients with acceptable complications rate.

Analysis of the spinal nerve roots in relation to the adjacent vertebral bodies with respect to a posterolateral vertebral body replacement procedure

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to improve the understanding of the anatomic variations along the thoracic and lumbar spine encountered during an all-posterior vertebrectomy, and reconstruction procedure. This information will help improve our understanding of human spine anatomy and will allow better planning for a vertebral body replacement (VBR) through either a transpedicular or costotransversectomy approach.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

The major challenge to a total posterior approach vertebrectomy and VBR in the thoracolumbar spine lies in the preservation of important neural structures.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis. Hundred normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spinal studies (T1-L5) on sagittal T2-weighted MRI images were studied to quantify: (1) mid-sagittal vertebral body (VB) dimensions (anterior, midline, and posterior VB height), (2) midline VB and associated intervertebral discs height, (3) mean distance between adjacent spinal nerve roots (DNN) and mean distance between the inferior endplate of the superior vertebrae to its respective spinal nerve root (DNE), and (4) posterior approach expansion ratio (PAER).

RESULTS

(1) The mean anterior VB height gradually increased craniocaudally from T1 to L5. The mean midline and posterior VB height showed a similar pattern up to L2. Mean posterior VB height was larger than the mean anterior VB height from T1 to L2, consistent with anterior wedging, and then measured less than the mean anterior VB height, indicating posterior wedging. (2) Midline VB and intervertebral disc height gradually increased from T1 to L4. (3) DNN and DNE were similar, whereby they gradually increased from T1 to L3. (5) Mean PAER varied between 1.69 (T12) and 2.27 (L5) depending on anatomic level.

CONCLUSIONS

The dimensions of the thoracic and lumbar vertebrae and discs vary greatly. Thus, any attempt at carrying out a VBR from a posterior approach should take into account the specifications at each spinal level.

The incidence and patterns of hardware failure after separation surgery in patients with spinal metastatic tumors

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Spine metastases occur frequently in patients with cancer. A variety of surgical approaches, including anterior transcavitary, lateral extracavitary, posterolateral, and/or combined techniques are used for spinal cord decompression and restoration of spinal stability. The incidence of symptomatic hardware failure is unknown for the majority of these approaches.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of symptomatic hardware failure and the associated risk factors in patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC).

STUDY DESIGN/SETTING

This was a retrospective study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

The current series analyzes a cohort of 318 patients who underwent separation surgery, which involves single-stage posterolateral decompression and posterior segmental instrumentation for MESCC.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The event of interest was hardware failure; the competing event was death resulting from any cause. All patients were monitored for survival analysis. A competing risk analysis was conducted to examine univariately a number of potential risk factors associated with hardware failure, including junctional level, gender, construct length, and the presence or absence of prior chest wall resection.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis and chart review were performed for 318 consecutive patients who underwent posterolateral decompression and posterior screw-rod fixation without supplemental anterior fixation from March 2004 to June 2011 at our institution. The median follow-up time for survivors without hardware failure was 399 days (range, 9-2,828), with a mean operative time of 3 hours. A total of 78% of patients died during the 7-year study period.

RESULTS

Of the 318 patients, nine (2.8%) exhibited signs and symptoms of hardware failure and required revision of the instrumentation. Patients with chest wall resection and those with initial construct length greater than six contiguous spinal levels exhibited a statistically significantly higher risk of symptomatic hardware failure than their counterparts. We observed a trend toward an increased risk of failure in women compared with men (p=.09).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of hardware failure is low in patients with MESCC who undergo posterolateral decompression and posterior screw-rod instrumentation. Moreover, the short operative time and low morbidity profile associated with this approach make it a reliable and acceptable method for the surgical treatment of MESCC. Patients with constructs spanning six or more levels or those with prior chest wall resection are at higher risk for instrumentation failure.

Extended costotransversectomy to achieve circumferential fusion for pathologies causing thoracic instability

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Conventional circumferential stabilization for pathologies causing instability of the thoracic spine requires a two or even a three-staged procedure. The authors present their tertiary care center experience of single-staged procedure to establish a circumferential fusion through an extended costotransversectomy approach.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate neural canal decompression, removal of the pathology, achieve circumferential fusion, and correcting the deformity through a single procedure.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective and observational.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Forty-six patients with pan thoracic column instability due to various pathologies.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Neurologic condition was evaluated using American Spinal Injury Association and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group grading systems. Outcome was evaluated with regard to the decompression of neural canal, correction of deformity, and neurologic improvement. All patients were evaluated for neural canal compromise and degree of kyphosis preoperatively, early, and late postoperatively.

METHODS

All patients had severe spinal canal compromise (mean, 59%±9%) and loss of vertebral body height (mean, 55%±10%). A single-stage circumferential fusion was performed (four-level pedicle screw fixation along with a ventral cage fixation after a vertebrectomy or corpectomy) through an extended costotransversectomy approach.

RESULTS

The pathologies included trauma (21), tuberculosis (18), hemangioma (2), aneurysmal bone cyst (1), recurrent hemangioendothelioma (1), solitary metastasis (1) and plasmacytoma (1), and neurofibromatosis (1). Thirty-five of 46 patients (76%) demonstrated improvement in the performance status. The major complications included pneumonitis (3), pneumothorax (3) and neurologic deterioration (3; improved in two), deep venous thrombosis (2), and recurrent hemoptysis (1). No implant failures were noted on last radiology follow-up. There were two mortalities; one because of myocardial infarction and another because of respiratory complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The following study demonstrated that extended costotrasversectomy approach is a good option for achieving single-staged circumferential fusion for correcting unstable thoracic spine due to both traumatic and nontraumatic pathologies.

Reconstruction with expandable cages after single- and multilevel corpectomies for spinal metastases: a prospective case series of 60 patients

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Expandable cages are widely used to reconstruct the spine after the removal of vertebral metastases. Long-term results, however, are lacking, and there is little information on reconstruction after multilevel corpectomies.

PURPOSE

To determine long-term outcome for reconstruction of the spine with expandable cages after single and multilevel corpectomies for spinal metastases.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cohort study of 60 consecutive patients with spinal metastases treated with expandable cages.

METHODS

All patients were prospectively followed with regular clinical and radiographic evaluation. Outcome measures were the Frankel score, patients' self-reported recovery, radiological alignment of the spine, and neurologic plus biomechanical complications.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were treated with expandable cages in our hospital in a 5-year period with a maximum follow-up of 6 years. Single-level reconstruction was performed in 48 cases, 2-level in 8, and 3-level in 4. Postoperatively, the Frankel score had improved significantly (p=.03), the segment height had increased (p=.02), and, in severe cases of kyphosis (>20°), the regional angulation had been corrected compared with preoperatively (p<.001). Complication rate, however, was high (36.7%), in particular after multilevel reconstruction, in which three cases had to be reoperated years after the initial surgery; reasons for this were hardware failure, progressive kyphosis, and bronchial perforation. Good recovery was reported in 70% of all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Expandable cages can be used successfully in reconstruction of the spine after single and multilevel corpectomies for spinal metastases. However, long-term complication rate is high. Promotion of bony fusion, prevention of soft-tissue damage, adequate posterior stabilization, and careful patient selection may reduce these complications.

Is surgery for spine metastasis reasonable in patients older than 60 years?

BACKGROUND

Spinal metastases are common in patients older than 60 years with cancer. Because of the uncertainty of survival and the high incidence of fatal complications, however, chemotherapy and radiotherapy generally have been considered preferable and surgery a treatment of last resort for these patients. Further, the selection criteria indicating surgery and reliable prognostic factors for survival remain controversial.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We therefore assessed surgical complications, postoperative function, and risk factors affecting their overall survival.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 92 patients 60 years or older (range, 60-81 years) who had surgery for spinal metastases. The surgical complications were recorded and a VAS pain score, Frankel grade, and Karnofsky score were obtained. Statistical analyses were performed to identify factors associated with survival. The minimum followup was 6 months (mean, 22 months; range, 6-78 months).

RESULTS

Surgical complications occurred in 21 patients. Pain levels decreased postoperatively in 90% of patients and neurologic function improved in 78%. The Karnofsky status improved in 58 patients giving an improvement rate of 63%. The overall survival rates at 1 year and 3 years were 61% and 35% with a median of 15 months. Primary tumor type and Tokuhashi score independently predicted survival in patients with spinal metastases.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest surgery for spinal metastasis can achieve pain relief, neurologic improvement, and restoration of general condition but with a high risk of complications. Primary tumor type and Tokuhashi scoring independently predicted survival in patients with spinal metastases after surgery.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

En bloc spondylectomy for treatment of tumor-induced osteomalacia

En bloc spondylectomy represents a radical resection of a spinal segment most often reserved for patients presenting with a primary extradural spine tumor or a solitary metastasis in the setting of an indolent, well-controlled systemic malignancy. The authors report a case in which en bloc spondylectomy was conducted to control a metabolically active spine tumor. A 56-year-old woman, who suffered from severe tumor-induced osteomalacia, was found to have a fibroblast growth factor-23-secreting phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor in the T-8 vertebral body. En bloc resection was conducted, leading to resolution of her tumor-induced osteomalacia. This case suggests that radical spondylectomy may be beneficial in the management of metabolically or endocrinologically active tumors of the spine.

Thoracic vertebrectomy and spinal reconstruction via anterior, posterior, or combined approaches: clinical outcomes in 91 consecutive patients with metastatic spinal tumors

OBJECT

Adequate decompression of the thoracic spinal cord often requires a complete vertebrectomy. Such procedures can be performed from an anterior/transthoracic, posterior, or combined approach. In this study, the authors sought to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with spinal metastatic tumors undergoing anterior, posterior, and combined thoracic vertebrectomies to determine the efficacy and operative morbidity of such approaches.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of all patients undergoing thoracic vertebrectomies at a single institution over the past 7 years. Characteristics of patients and operative procedures were documented. Neurological status, perioperative variables, and complications were assessed and associations with each approach were analyzed.

RESULTS

Ninety-one patients (mean age 55.5 +/- 13.7 years) underwent vertebrectomies via an anterior (22 patients, 24.2%), posterior (45 patients, 49.4%), or combined anterior-posterior approach (24 patients, 26.4%) for metastatic spinal tumors. The patients did not differ significantly preoperatively in terms of neurological assessments on the Nurick and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment scales, ambulatory ability, or other comorbidities. Anterior approaches were associated with less blood loss than posterior approaches (1172 +/- 1984 vs 2486 +/- 1645 ml, respectively; p = 0.03) or combined approaches (1172 +/- 1984 vs 2826 +/- 2703 ml, respectively; p = 0.05) but were associated with a similar length of stay compared with the other treatment cohorts (11.5 +/- 9.3 [anterior] vs 11.3 +/- 8.6 [posterior] vs 14.3 +/- 6.7 [combined] days; p = 0.35). The posterior approach was associated with a higher incidence of wound infection compared with the anterior approach cohort (26.7 vs 4.5%, respectively; p = 0.03), and patients in the posterior approach group experienced the highest rates of deep vein thrombosis (15.6% [posterior] vs 0% [other 2 groups]; p = 0.02). However, the posterior approach demonstrated the lowest incidence of pneumothorax (4.4%; p < 0.0001) compared with the other 2 cohorts. Duration of chest tube use was greater in the combined patient group compared with the anterior approach cohort (8.8 +/- 6.2 vs 4.7 +/- 2.3 days, respectively; p = 0.01), and the combined group also experienced the highest rates of radiographic pleural effusion (83.3%; p = 0.01). Postoperatively, all groups improved neurologically, although functional outcome in patients undergoing the combined approach improved the most compared with the other 2 groups on both the Nurick (p = 0.04) and American Spinal Injury Association Impairment scales (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Decisions regarding the approach to thoracic vertebrectomy may be complex. This study found that although anterior approaches to the thoracic vertebrae have been historically associated with significant pulmonary complications, in our experience these rates are nevertheless quite comparable to that encountered via a posterior or combined approach. In fact, the posterior approach was found to be associated with a higher risk for some perioperative complications such as wound infection and deep vein thromboses. Finally, the combined anteriorposterior approach may provide greater ambulatory and neurological improvements in properly selected patients.

Posterior transpedicular corpectomy for malignant cervical spine tumors

The goal of this study was to assess surgical clinical and radiographic outcomes of using a posterior transpedicular approach (posterolateral) for ventral malignant tumors of the cervical spine. Access to ventral lesions of the cervical spine can be challenging in patients with malignant tumors. Anterior approaches are the gold standard for ventral pathology in the cervical spine, however, there are cases, where a posterior approach is indicated due to multilevel disease, previous radiation, swallowing difficulty with difficulty in retraction of trachea and esophagus, and in cases where circumferential fusion cannot be done due to patients' poor medical condition. A single approach could provide spinal stabilization and removal of tumor. Eight cases of ventral cervical spine malignant tumors (7 metastatic and 1 chordoma) underwent corpectomy through a posterior transpedicular (posterolateral) approach. Tumors involved C2 (5), C3 (1), C5 (1), and C7 (1). Six cases had anterior reconstruction and three column fusion, and two cases had posterior fusion alone. Gross total resection was achieved in all cases. No hardware failure or worsening of neurological condition was seen (4 patient were neurologically intact and remained intact after surgery and 4 patients improved in their Frankel grade). Pain improved in all patients, mean visual analog scale preoperative was 86 and improved to 22 after surgery. In two patients the vertebral artery was ligated without sequelae. We conclude that cervical spine transpedicular (posterolateral) approach is useful in cases where an anterior approach or a circumferential approach is not an option. It avoids the morbidity of anterior transcervical, transternal, and transoral procedures while providing decompression of neural elements and allowing three column stabilization when needed.

Posterior transpedicular corpectomy and reconstruction of the axial vertebra for metastatic tumor

Management of metastatic disease is a significant challenge in modern spinal surgery. Previously, radiation therapy alone was the most commonly employed treatment. Recent data, however, suggest that surgical decompression in addition to radiation therapy improves functional recovery compared with radiation therapy alone.

Metastatic disease most commonly affects the thoracic spine. Over the past decade surgical treatment has changed significantly for thoracic disease, shifting from transthoracic resection and reconstruction to single-stage posterolateral approaches that allow transpedicular resection and reconstruction. In posterolateral approaches, patients are spared the morbidity associated with transcavitary approaches while receiving the benefit of radical resection and circumferential reconstruction in a single-stage procedure.

The authors report 3 cases in which a similar posterior transpedicular technique, adapted for the cervical spine, was used for intralesional resection of metastatic tumors of the axis.

Trap-door rib-head osteotomies for posterior placement of expandable cages after transpedicular corpectomy: an alternative to lateral extracavitary and costotransversectomy approaches

Lateral extracavitary and costotransversectomy approaches have been well described, and they are useful for posterior thoracic corpectomies. However, these approaches require pleural dissection and are associated with welldocumented morbidities, including hemothorax, pneumothorax, and pneumonia. But without removing the rib head, the window through which an expandable cage can be placed from a posterior approach is narrow. Thus, smaller nonexpandable mesh cages or methylmethacrylate constructs are commonly used for anterior column reconstruction. The authors describe a technique of using a “trap-door” rib-head osteotomy that avoids pleural dissection, yet allows a large expandable cage to be placed from an entirely posterior approach.

Expandable vertebral body replacement in patients with thoracolumbar spine tumors

INTRODUCTION

The objectives of surgical interventions for tumoral lesions of the spine include the establishment and improvement of tumor-related symptoms. Anterior tumor resection followed by reconstruction indicated if surgical treatment allowed a marginal removal of the tumor or could extend the individual survival rate in combination with adjuvant therapy options. Sufficient re-stabilization depends on adequate anterior column reconstruction. The purpose of this retrospective study was to present our experiences and results after anterior tumor resection followed by reconstruction with the expandable vertebral body replacement device (VBR, Ulrich, Germany) based on clinical application over 4 degrees years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out an anterior tumor resection followed by reconstruction using an anterior extendable device in 32 patients with different spine tumors between 1996 and 2000. A retrospective evaluation was executed considering the patients medical records and radiological findings. Additionally, a clinical and radiological investigation of still living postoperative patients was carried out.

RESULTS

The mean surgical time of all evaluated patients was 317.2 min. The average blood loss was 1,272.5 ml. According to the Tokuhashi score, patients with a postoperative survival time of at least 12 months demonstrated a score value > or = 9 points. According to our evaluated patients group metastatic lesions of the spine represented the largest group (78.1%). The average survival rate of this group amounted to 18.4 months postoperatively. Considering primary tumors the average survival rate at the time of last re-examination amounted to 34.8 months postoperatively. Preoperative neurological pathologies were present in 12 patients (Frankel stage C-D). During the postoperative monitoring period 58.3% of the patients demonstrated an improvement in initial neurological findings. There were no intraoperative complications or perioperative deaths. Implant dislocations were not observed.

CONCLUSION

On account of the underlying, the anterior tumor resection with supplementary instrumentation represented a sufficient procedure in spinal tumor surgery. Adjuvant therapy can influence the postoperative survival period positively in addition to the surgical procedure. Following anterior tumor resection, extendable vertebral body replacements like the VBR device provide immediate spine stability by excellent defect adaptation. With regard to their intraoperative flexibility, expandable cages are more advantageous in contrast to non-expandable implants or bone grafts.

Use of "MAPs" for determining the optimal surgical approach to metastatic disease of the thoracolumbar spine: anterior, posterior, or combined. Invited submission from the Joint Section Meeting on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves, March 2004

The surgical treatment of thoracolumbar metastases is controversial, and various approaches have been described. No single approach, however, is always applicable, and the optimal surgical strategy for any individual is determined by several interrelated factors. The authors have grouped these factors into four preoperative planning considerations that form the mnemonic "MAPS": 1) method of resection; 2) anatomy of spinal disease; 3) patient's level of fitness; and 4) stabilization. The choice of approach is also considered in light of the goals of surgery, including the relief of pain, neurological palliation, spinal stabilization, and oncological control.

Single-stage posterolateral transpedicular approach for resection of epidural metastatic spine tumors involving the vertebral body with circumferential reconstruction: results in 140 patients

Object. Patients with metastatic spine tumors often have multicolumn involvement and high-grade epidural compression, requiring circumferential decompression and instrumentation. Secondary medical and oncological issues add morbidity to combined approaches. The authors present their experience in using the single-stage posterolateral transpedicular approach (PTA) to decompress the spine circumferentially and to place instrumentation.

Methods. From September 1997 to February 2004, 140 patients with spine metastases underwent the PTA. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed high-grade spinal cord compression in 120 patients (86%) and lytic vertebral body destruction in all patients. Preoperatively 84 patients (60%) received radiotherapy directed to the involved level and 42 (30%) underwent tumor embolization. Following circumferential decompression, all patients underwent anterior reconstruction with polymethylmethacrylate and Steinmann pins, and posterior segmental fixation.

The median operative time was 5.1 hours, the median blood loss was 1500 ml, and the median hospital stay was 9 days. Ninety-six percent of the patients experienced postoperative pain improvement and improvement in or stabilization of neurological status. In 51 nonambulatory patients with poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group grades, 75% regained the ability to walk. One month postoperatively 90% of patients achieved good-to-excellent performance scores.

The overall median patient survival time was 7.7 months. Patients with colon and lung carcinomas had significantly shorter survival times. Major operative complications occurred in 20 patients (14.3%). Wound complications occurred in 16 patients (11.4%), but this was not correlated with preoperative radiation treatment.

Conclusions. The PTA allows circumferential epidural tumor decompression and the placement of anterior and posterior spinal column instrumention. Immediate spinal stability is achieved without the use of brace therapy. This technique achieved a high success rate for pain palliation, neurological preservation, and functional improvement, while avoiding the morbidity associated with combined approaches.

Total cervical spondylectomy for primary osteogenic sarcoma. Case report and description of operative technique

The authors describe a technique for total spondylectomy for lesions involving the cervical spine. The method involves separately staged anterior and posterior approaches and befits the unique anatomy of the cervical spine. The procedure is described in detail, with the aid of radiographs, intraoperative photographs, and illustrations. Unlike in the thoracic and lumbar spine--for which methods of total en bloc spondylectomy have previously been described--a strictly en bloc resection is not possible in the cervical spine because of the need to preserve the vertebral arteries and the nerve roots supplying the upper limbs. Although the resection described in this case is by definition intralesional, it is oncologically sound, given the development of effective neoadjuvent chemotherapeutic regimens for osteosarcoma.

Simultaneous anterior-posterior approach to the thoracic and lumbar spine for the radical resection of tumors followed by reconstruction and stabilization

OBJECT

Thoracic or lumbar spine malignant tumors involving both the anterior and posterior columns represent a complex surgical problem. The authors review the results of treating patients with these lesions in whom surgery was performed via a simultaneous anterior-posterior approach.

METHODS

The hospital records of 26 patients who underwent surgery via simultaneous combined approach for thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors at our institution from July 1994 to March 2000 were reviewed. Surgery was performed with the patients in the lateral decubitus position for the procedure. The technical details are reported. The mean survival determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 43.4 months for the 15 patients with primary malignant tumors and 22.5 months for the 11 patients with metastatic spinal disease. At 1 month after surgery, 23 (96%) of 24 patients who complained of pain preoperatively reported improvements (p < 0.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test), and eight (62%) of 13 patients with preoperative neurological deficits were functionally improved (p = 0.01). There were nine major complications, five minor complications, and no deaths within 30 days of surgery. Two patients (8%) later underwent surgery for recurrent tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

The simultaneous anterior-posterior approach is a safe and feasible alternative for the exposure tumors of the thoracic and lumbar spine that involve both the anterior and posterior columns. Advantages of the approach include direct visualization of adjacent neurovascular structures, the ability to achieve complete resection of lesions involving all three columns simultaneously (optimizing hemostasis), and the ability to perform excellent dorsal and ventral stabilization in one operative session.

Use of pedicle screw fixation in the management of malignant spinal disease: experience in 100 consecutive procedures

OBJECT

Few reports are available on the use of pedicle screw fixation for cancer-related spinal instability. The authors present their experience with pedicle screw fixation in the management of malignant spinal column tumors.

METHODS

Records for patients with malignant spinal tumors who underwent pedicle screw fixation at the authors' institution between September 1994 and December 1999 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Ninety-five patients with malignant spinal tumors underwent 100 surgeries involving pedicle screw fixation: metastatic spinal disease was present in 81 patients, and locally invasive tumors were demonstrated in 14 patients. Indications for surgery were pain (98%) and/or neurological dysfunction (80%). A posterior (48%) or a combined anterior-posterior (52%) approach was performed depending on the extent of tumor and the patient's condition. At the mean follow up of 8.2 months, 43 patients (45%) had died; median survival, as determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis, was 14.8 months. At I month postsurgery, self-reported pain had improved in 87% of cases (p < 0.001), which is a finding substantiated by reductions in analgesic use, and 29 (47%) of 62 patients with preoperative neurological impairments were functionally improved (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications were associated only with preoperative radiation therapy (p = 0.002) and with preexisting serious medical conditions (p = 0.04). In two patients asymptomatic violation of the lateral wall of the pedicle was revealed on postoperative radiography. The 30-day mortality rate was 1%.

CONCLUSIONS

For selected patients with malignant spinal tumors, pedicle screw fixation after tumor resection may provide considerable pain relief and restore or preserve ambulation with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality.

Single-stage posterolateral transpedicle approach for spondylectomy, epidural decompression, and circumferential fusion of spinal metastases

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective review of prospectively maintained institutional spine database.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the pain, neurologic, and functional outcome of patients with metastatic spinal cord compression using a posterolateral transpedicular approach with circumferential fusion.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Patients with spinal metastases often have patterns of disease requiring both an anterior and posterior surgical decompression and spinal fusion. For patients whose concurrent illness or previous surgery makes an anterior approach difficult, a posterior transpedicular approach was used to resect the involved vertebral bodies, posterior elements, and epidural tumor. This approach provides exposure sufficient to decompress and instrument the anterior and posterior columns.

METHODS

During the past 15 months, 25 patients were operated on using a posterolateral transpedicular approach. The primary indications for surgery were back pain (15 patients) and neurologic progression (10 patients). All patients had vertebral body disease, and 21 patients had high-grade spinal cord compression from epidural disease as assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Seven patients underwent preoperative embolization for vascular tumors. In each patient, the anterior column was reconstructed with polymethyl methacrylate and Steinmann pins and the posterior column with long segmental fixation.

RESULTS

All patients achieved immediate stability. Pain relief was significant in all 23 patients who had had moderate or severe pain. Neurologic symptoms were stable or improved in 23 patients. One patient with an acutely evolving myelopathy was immediately worse after surgery, and one patient had a delayed neurologic worsening, progressing to paraplegia.

CONCLUSIONS

The posterolateral transpedicular approach provides a wide surgical exposure to decompress and instrument the anterior and posterior spine. This technique avoids the morbidity associated with anterior approaches and provides immediate stability. Vascular tumors may be removed safely after embolization. Patients can be mobilized early after surgery.