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01-01-2012 | Original Article

Initial experience with the use of an expandable titanium cage as a vertebral body replacement in patients with tumors of the spinal column: a report of 95 patients

Authors: Ashwin Viswanathan, Muhammad M. Abd-El-Barr, Egon Doppenberg, Dima Suki, Ziya Gokaslan, Ehud Mendel, Ganesh Rao, Laurence D. Rhines

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 1/2012

Abstract

Objective

Vertebral body resection to treat spine tumors necessitates reconstruction to maintain spinal stability. The durability of reconstruction may be a challenge in cancer patients as treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation coupled with poor nutritional status may compromise bone quality. We present a series of patients who underwent implantation of an expandable titanium cage (ETC) for reconstruction after vertebral body resection for primary or metastatic spine tumors. We report the functional outcome, assess the durability of reconstruction, and describe complications associated with this procedure.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing placement of ETC after vertebrectomy for spinal tumor at our institution was performed.

Results

From September 2001 to August 2006, 95 patients underwent implantation of an ETC for reconstruction of the anterior spinal column following vertebrectomy for tumor (75 one-level, 19 two-level, 1 three-level). All patients underwent spinal stabilization as well. The median survival after surgery was 13.7 months; 23 patients had primary spinal tumors and 72 had metastatic tumors. Numerical pain scores were significantly improved postoperatively indicating a palliative benefit. No new neurological deficits were noted postoperatively, except when intentional neurological sacrifice was performed for oncologic reasons. Median height correction of 14% (range 0–118%) and median improvement in sagittal alignment of 6° (range 0–28°) were demonstrated on immediate postoperative imaging. Three patients experienced hardware related complications, one of which had posterior migration of the ETC. On postoperative imaging, 12 patients demonstrated subsidence of greater than 1 mm, but none required operative revision.

Conclusion

Use of an ETC for spinal reconstruction in patients with spinal tumors is safe, decreases pain associated with pathologic fracture, protects neurologic function, and is durable. We found a very low incidence of cage-related construct failures and no significant problems with subsidence.

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Title: Initial experience with the use of an expandable titanium cage as a vertebral body replacement in patients with tumors of the spinal column: a report of 95 patients
Authors: Ashwin Viswanathan
Muhammad M. Abd-El-Barr
Egon Doppenberg
Dima Suki
Ziya Gokaslan
Ehud Mendel
Ganesh Rao
Laurence D. Rhines
Publication date: 01-01-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 1/2012
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-011-1882-7

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Initial experience with the use of an expandable titanium cage as a vertebral body replacement in patients with tumors of the spinal column: a report of 95 patients

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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