The application and insight of single-stage posterior total en bloc spondylectomy treatment on L 5 vertebrae spine tumors / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and technical points of single posterior total spine resection for L 5 vertebrae tumors, evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the technique, and propose a comprehensive treatment model for L 5 tumors on this basis. Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 13 patients with L 5 vertebrae tumor who were treated by total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) through single-stage posterior approach from January 2014 to September 2021, including 4 males and 9 females. The age range was 21-65 years, with an average age of 33.85±14.24 years. Imaging examination showed isolated tumors of L 5 vertebrae without other metastases. All patients were treated with a single posterior L 5 vertebrae tumor TES by adjusting the curvature of lumbar lordosis, and the lumbar nerve root was fully dissociated. The vertebra with tumor was removed entirely and lumbar stability reconstruction via a pedicle screw system. Various parameters, including operative time, blood loss, complications, preoperative and postoperative spine sagittal parameters, Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores (JOAs), tumor control and outcome, were listed and analyzed. Results:Preoperative pathological diagnosis of 13 patients was mainly primary bone tumor including giant cell tumor in 7 cases, and invasive hemangioma, epithelioid hemangioma, aneurysmal bone cyst, chordoma, plasma cell myeloma and bone metastasis of breast cancer in 1 case. The mean operative time was 333.23±99.48 min (range 175-480 min), and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 1 407.69±676.49 ml (range 300-2 800 ml). There were no serious perioperative complications during the perioperative period. The mean follow-up was 54.92±19.29 months (range 28-84 months). JOAs improved from 13.85±3.86 points before operation to 24.31±2.16 points at 6 months after operation, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=8.19, P<0.001). Postoperative delayed wound healing occurred in 2 case. 2 patients showed numbness of the left lower limb, and 1 patient had slightly reduced plantar flexion movement. Conclusion:Single posterior TES is a good surgical method for the treatment of isolated L 5 vertebrae tumors. Although this technique is difficult, it can reduce surgical wounds and postoperative complications and good functional and oncology prognosis can be achieved.