Corpectomy Surgery

Medically reviewed by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — dual board-certified spine surgeon & neurosurgeon. Last reviewed October 2026.

A corpectomy removes a vertebral body (and its adjacent discs) to decompress the spinal cord when pressure extends behind the bone itself — and then reconstructs the spine with a graft or cage. It's a procedure for more complex cord compression, where simply removing the back of the canal isn't enough.

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How a Corpectomy Decompresses the Cord

Procedure Overview

Sometimes the spinal cord is compressed by bone, disc, or bone spurs that sit in front of it — across one or more levels — and can't be adequately relieved from the back. A corpectomy removes the vertebral body (and the discs above and below it) to decompress the cord directly, then reconstructs the gap with a bone graft or a cage, usually supported by a plate and a fusion. It's most often performed in the neck for cervical myelopathy.

Conditions We Treat

Am I a Candidate?

A corpectomy is considered for significant spinal cord compression — such as cervical myelopathy — that spans behind a vertebral body, or for certain fractures and tumors. Because it treats the spinal cord directly, it belongs with an experienced surgeon; Dr. Greenwald's dual training as a spine surgeon and neurosurgeon is well suited to it. Imaging defines the extent of compression and the reconstruction plan.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

Benefits & Risks

Expected Outcomes

For well-selected patients, a corpectomy effectively relieves spinal cord compression and can halt the progression of myelopathy, protecting function. Neurological recovery depends on how long and how severely the cord was compressed before surgery — which is why early treatment of cord compression is so important. We discuss realistic, individualized expectations.

Life Beyond the Pain

How It's Performed

Under general anesthesia, the spine is approached from the front (in the neck) or the appropriate corridor for the level. The vertebral body and adjacent discs compressing the cord are carefully removed, directly relieving the pressure. The space is then reconstructed with a graft or cage and typically stabilized with a plate and fusion so the spine heals solidly. This is meticulous work performed around the spinal cord itself.

Recovery & Return to Activity

Because a corpectomy includes reconstruction and fusion, recovery is more gradual than a simple decompression. Your plan, brace use, and timeline are tailored to the number of levels and your health.

Insurance, Out-of-Network & Cost

Cost and coverage shouldn't stand between you and relief. Desert Spine and Pain welcomes out-of-network patients and will walk you through what your evaluation and treatment are likely to involve before anything is scheduled — so there are no surprises. We'll help you understand your benefits and options, whether you're using insurance, paying out-of-pocket, or being treated under a personal-injury claim.

Proudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area

Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix

Choosing the right spine specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a spine doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.

Corpectomy: Frequently Asked Questions