Corpectomy

A corpectomy is a surgical procedure to treat spinal cord compression. During this surgery, a skilled spine surgeon like Dr. Gottlieb will remove the vertebral bodies affected by the compression and adjacent vertebral discs.

Depending on the location of compression, the most effective treatment may be cervical corpectomy surgery or the thoracic corpectomy procedure. Dr. Gottlieb will recommend the best procedure for your condition following your diagnosis.

A corpectomy is an effective treatment for spinal cord compression, which can be caused by a variety of spine conditions. A cervical corpectomy or a thoracic corpectomy can treat:

• A herniated disc in the neck or back
• Degenerative disc disease
• A pinched nerve in the neck or back
• Spinal cord injuries
• Sciatica
• Scoliosis
• Bone spurs

In each of these cases, the decision to perform a corpectomy will depend on the severity of your condition, overall health, and the potential that surgery will relieve your symptoms. It is essential to consult with a spine specialist like Dr. Gottlieb to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Those suffering from symptoms of a compressed spinal cord may be good candidates for a corpectomy. Signs of a compressed spinal cord may include:

• Pain and stiffness along the spinal cord, which can range from the neck to the lower back
• Shooting pain that radiates down to the buttocks and legs
• Numbness or tingling in the arms, hands, or legs
• Weakness in the extremities
• Difficulty with coordination
• Problems controlling bowel or bladder function
• Pain when walking

There are several types of corpectomy surgery, each tailored to specific conditions and patient needs. The two primary approaches to corpectomy surgery are:

• Anterior corpectomy: With this procedure, your surgeon will access the spine from the front, or anterior, of the body. This approach is commonly used to treat conditions in the cervical region of the spine. An anterior thoracic corpectomy involves removing the affected vertebral body and any intervertebral discs in the mid to upper region of the spine that may be contributing to compression. After the removal, the surgeon typically uses a bone graft or a cage filled with bone graft material to restore spinal stability and alignment. This graft may be secured with plates, screws, or other fixation devices. Anterior cervical corpectomy spine surgery allows for direct access to the spinal cord and nerves.
• Posterior corpectomy: In a posterior corpectomy, your surgeon will access the spine from the back, or posterior of the body. This approach is often used for conditions in the thoracic or lumbar regions of the spine. During a posterior corpectomy, the surgeon removes the posterior elements of the affected vertebral body, such as the lamina and spinous processes. This creates space for the spinal cord and nerves. Depending on the extent of removal and the condition being treated, spinal instrumentation like rods and screws may be used to stabilize the spine.

The choice between anterior and posterior corectomy depends on factors such as the location and extent of the spinal compression, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s expertise. Following your consultation, Dr. Gottlieb can provide guidance on the most appropriate type of corpectomy for you.

In some cases, your surgeon will not only remove the affected vertebral body and discs, but fuse the remaining vertebrae. This is known as a thoracic spine corpectomy and fusion. After the corpectomy, your surgeon will use bone grafts and spinal hardware to fuse the adjacent vertebrae. This provides additional stability to the spine and prevents further movement. A corpectomy and fusion are performed when there is a need for greater stability, like in cases of severe spinal instability or deformity.