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Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

Palliative transpedicular partial corpectomy without anterior vertebral reconstruction in lower thoracic and thoracolumbar junction spinal metastases

Authors: Chien-Chun Chang, Yen-Jen Chen, Da-Fu Lo, Hsien-Te Chen, Horng-Chaung Hsu, Ruey-Mo Lin

Published in: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

The thoracolumbar junction is the transition from a stiff (thoracic spine) to a mobile zone (lumbar spine) and is relatively unstable compared with the thoracic and lumbar portions of the spine. The need for anterior reconstruction after a corpectomy has been emphasized by several authors. However, for patients with a relatively short life expectancy, anterior reconstruction may be unnecessary. Posterior instrumentation alone may be sufficient to provide pain relief and stability for such patients. The goal of this study was to assess the postoperative outcomes and survival rates of patients with tumor metastases of the lower thoracic spine and thoracolumbar junction (T10–L1) who underwent transpedicular partial corpectomy without anterior vertebral reconstruction.

Methods

From November 2001 to February 2015, 29 patients diagnosed with symptomatic spinal cord compression caused by tumor metastasis involving T10 to L1 underwent palliative surgery that involved a posterolateral transpedicular partial corpectomy without anterior reconstruction. The surgical indication was neurologic progression. A follow-up was conducted for all of the patients, including reviewing medical records and performing an examination in the outpatient department.

Results

The patients ranged in age from 33 to 83 years (mean, 61.6 years). Neurologic improvement by at least one Frankel grade was noted in 75.9 % of the patients (N = 22). Neither intraoperative mortality nor implant failure was reported. The median survival rate was 7.43 months (range, 0.47–28 months).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that the stability of implants can be maintained up to 28 months with satisfying functional outcome after a palliative posterolateral transpedicular partial corpectomy without anterior reconstruction.
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Metadata
Title
Palliative transpedicular partial corpectomy without anterior vertebral reconstruction in lower thoracic and thoracolumbar junction spinal metastases
Authors
Chien-Chun Chang
Yen-Jen Chen
Da-Fu Lo
Hsien-Te Chen
Horng-Chaung Hsu
Ruey-Mo Lin
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1749-799X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-015-0255-z

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