Results and complications of vertebrectomy with posterior approach after 2-year follow-up

Abstract

Objective: To describe the surgical technique for vertebrectomy by posterior single approach in the thoracic and thoracolumbar spine with circumferential reconstruction and arthrodesis, and evaluate retrospectively the results and complications after 2 years of follow-up in patients undergoing this technique. Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records and imaging studies of 12 patients with vertebrectomy indication for various pathologies, undergoing this surgical technique. Results: Eight (66.67%) patients were male and four patients (33.33%) were females aged 13-66 years (mean 40 years). There were nine patients with involvement of the thoracic spine and three of the lumbar, and one patient with two consecutive vertebrae affected. All patients had improved or remained with the neurological condition. Surgical complications were two cases of hemothorax, two cases of loosening of the screws, one of them requiring surgical revision, and a case of material failure and pseudarthrosis. Conclusion: Vertebrectomy by posterior approach in thoracolumbar spine with circumferential reconstruction and fusion can be performed safely for a variety of indications.