Total en bloc spondylectomy for thoracic and lumbar chondrosarcoma

Objective To investigate technique and clinical effect of total en bloc spondylectomy for thoracic and lumbar chondrosarcoma.Methods From January 2010 to March 2012,6 patients with thoracic or lumbar chondrosarcoma underwent total en bloc spondylectomy.There were 4 males and 2 females,aged from 25 to 54 years (average,38 years).The tumor ranged from T3 to L3; 1 located in T3 and T4,1 in T7,1in T11,1 in L1,1 in L2 and 1 in L3.According to Tomita surgical classification system,there was 1 case of type 2,1 case of type 4,3 cases of type 5 and 1 case of type 6.One patient underwent tumor resection through single posterior approach,while the other 5 patients underwent anterior dissection and posterior resection of tumor.All spines were reconstructed by posterior fixation with pedicle screws and anterior interbody fusion with titanium mesh cages or artificial vertebrae.Results The average amount of blood loss was 3200 ml (range,2100 to 6300 ml).The duration of operation ranged from 3.5 to 12 hours (average,5.5hours).Two patients obtained wide resection,3 obtained marginal resection,and 1 had intralesional margin.The complications included 2 cases of cerebrospinal leak,1 case of pleural effusion and 1 case of pulmonary infection.There was no wound infection and death during peroperative period.All patients were followed up for 6 to 32 months (average,19 months).The neurological function improved from preoperative Frankel C to postoperative Frankel E in 2 cases.All patients obtained bone union 6 to 12 months (average,8 months) after operation.At final follow-up,all patients could walk without aid,and there was no recurrence.Conclusion The total en bloc spondylectomy is an effective method for thoracolumbar chondrosarcoma,which could provide a satisfied tumor control and neurological function improvement. Key words: Thoracic vertebrae; Lumbar vertebrae; Chondrosarcoma; Treatment outcome