Total en bloc spondylectomy for tumor of the thoracolumbar spine / 中国矫形外科杂志

ABSTRACT

[Objective]To evaluate the possibility and clinical value of total en bloc spondylectomy for the treatment of spinal tumors. [Method]Four cases of primary tumor of the thoracolumbar spine were treated with total en bloc spondylectomy TES through a single posterior approach performed in three cases(T10 solitary plasmacytoma,T8 hemangioma,and T12 hemangioma),and one case through a single stage anterior and posterior combined approach(L4 neuroblastoma with paraspinal mass).Improvements in osteotomy apparatus and surgical technique of TES were investigated.[Result]All patients attained significant clinical improvement after surgery without any severe complications.Patients were observed for 13 to 22 months.There was no local recurrence and distal metastasis by the last follow-up.[Conclusion]Total en bloc spondylectomy includes resection of the involved vertebra in two major blocs,rather than a piecemeal pattern.It is one of the most effective therapies for spinal tumors.Howerer,some components of TES remain to be further improved.