Surgical treatment of dumbbell tumor complicating with vertebral destruction in cervical spine

To explore the feasibility and efficacy of operating through an anterior approach in the treatment of dumbbell tumor complicating with vertebral destruction in cervical spine. Surgical procedures were performed through an anterior approach in 7 cases of dumbbell tumor complicating with vertebral and transverse process destruction during the period of May 2004 to February 2009. Bone graft and internal fixation were implemented after tumor removal. In all 7 cases, tumors were resected completely and no recurrence occurred during a follow-up period of 6-46 months. The symptoms improved greatly postoperatively with fine fusion of graft bone. There was neither loose plate nor cervical instability. For huge dumbbell tumor with damaged vertebral body and transverse process in cervical spine, the anterior approach operation will remove tumor entirely and restore the stability of cervical spine so as to prevent spinal cord injury. It is an excellent option of treating dumbbell tumor in cervical spine.