Modified total en bloc spondylectomy for thoracolumbar spinal tumors via a single posterior approach

Purpose The objectives of this study were to describe our surgical management with a modified total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) and to evaluate the clinical effects in patients with thoracolumbar tumors. Methods Sixteen consecutive patients with thoracolumbar neoplasms underwent a modified TES via single posterior approach followed by dorsoventral reconstruction from December 2008 to July 2011. Details of the modified technique were described and the patients’ clinical information was retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. Results Significant improvements in neurological function were achieved in most of the patients. Local pain or radicular leg pain was relieved postoperatively. The mean operation time was 7.2 h, with an average blood loss of 2,300 ml. No major complications, instrumentation failure or local recurrence was found at the final follow-up. Five patients died of the disease during mean 14-month (3.0–23) follow-up. Conclusions The modified TES with a single posterior approach is feasible, safe and effective for thoracolumbar spine tumors.