Corpectomy

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Illustration of a corpectomy procedure

A corpectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion of the vertebral body in the spine, often to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots. This procedure is typically performed to treat conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated disc, vertebral fracture, or tumors affecting the vertebrae.

Indications

Corpectomy is indicated in cases where there is significant compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots that cannot be relieved by less invasive procedures. Common indications include:

• Severe spinal stenosis
• Herniated discs that are not amenable to discectomy
• Vertebral fractures causing instability or compression
• Tumors within the vertebral body
• Infections such as osteomyelitis or discitis

Procedure

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: The patient is placed under general anesthesia. 2. Incision: An incision is made over the affected area of the spine. 3. Exposure: The muscles and tissues are carefully retracted to expose the vertebrae. 4. Removal: The surgeon removes the vertebral body and any associated disc material compressing the spinal cord or nerves. 5. Stabilization: After removal, the spine is stabilized using a bone graft or a cage and instrumentation such as plates and screws. 6. Closure: The incision is closed in layers.

Recovery

Recovery from a corpectomy can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient's overall health. Generally, patients may need to stay in the hospital for several days post-surgery. Physical therapy is often recommended to aid in recovery and to help restore mobility and strength.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, corpectomy carries certain risks and potential complications, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve damage
• Spinal instability
• Non-union of the bone graft
• Hardware failure

Related pages

• Spinal fusion
• Laminectomy
• Discectomy
• Spinal stenosis
• Vertebral fracture