What Is a Corpectomy?

• In simple terms: A corpectomy removes part of the spinal bone and discs above and below it to take pressure off the spinal cord and nerves. The area is then rebuilt with a cage and bone graft to stabilize the spine.
  
  

• Scientifically: Corpectomy (vertebrectomy) involves en bloc removal of vertebral body segments and adjacent intervertebral discs, followed by reconstruction with titanium mesh cage, expandable cage, or allograft strut plus anterior/posterior instrumentation.
  
  

Conditions Treated

• Severe spinal stenosis with cord compression
  
  

• Cervical myelopathy or thoracic myelopathy
  
  

• Vertebral body fractures from trauma or osteoporosis
  
  

• Spinal tumors involving vertebral body
  
  

• Kyphosis or deformity requiring correction
  
  

• Failed prior surgeries with persistent compression
  
  

The Corpectomy Procedure: Step by Step

Plain-English Overview

1. Anesthesia & positioning: You’re asleep under general anesthesia. Approach may be from the front (anterior) or back (posterior) depending on location.
   
   

2. Incision: Made in the neck, chest, abdomen, or back depending on spinal region.
   
   

3. Vertebral body removal: The diseased bone and adjacent discs are carefully removed.
   
   

4. Decompression: The spinal cord and nerves are freed from compression.
   
   

5. Reconstruction: A cage or graft filled with bone is inserted to restore height.
   
   

6. Stabilization: Plates, screws, or rods are placed to secure the spine.
   
   

7. Closure: Incision is closed; patients usually stay in the hospital a few days.
   
   

Surgeon-Level Detail

• Exposure:
  
  

  • Cervical: Smith-Robinson anterior approach.
    
    

  • Thoracic: Transthoracic or lateral extracavitary.
    
    

  • Lumbar: Retroperitoneal or posterior transpedicular.
    
    

• Decompression: Removal of vertebral body with drill/rongeurs; resection of PLL, osteophytes, tumor, or fragments compressing cord.
  
  

• Reconstruction: Expandable cage or mesh cage packed with autograft/allograft; endplate preparation essential.
  
  

• Fixation: Anterior plating or posterior pedicle screw/rod constructs for immediate stability.
  
  

• Fusion biology: Autograft (iliac crest), allograft, BMP, or synthetic substitutes used.
  
  

Benefits of Corpectomy

• Provides direct and wide decompression of the spinal cord
  
  

• Corrects deformity and restores spinal alignment
  
  

• Allows removal of tumors or fractures not manageable otherwise
  
  

• When combined with fusion, provides strong long-term stability
  
  

Risks & Limitations

• More invasive than discectomy or laminectomy
  
  

• Higher blood loss and longer operative time
  
  

• Risks: infection, bleeding, CSF leak, graft/implant failure, non-union
  
  

• Neurological complications possible given severity of disease
  
  

• Longer recovery compared to smaller decompressions
  
  

Recovery Timeline

• Hospital stay: Typically 2–5 days depending on region/complexity
  
  

• Weeks 1–2: Wound care, light walking; brace may be prescribed
  
  

• Weeks 2–6: Gradual increase in activity; desk work possible
  
  

• 6–12 weeks: Begin structured physical therapy; restrictions eased gradually
  
  

• 3–6 months: Fusion consolidating; improved strength and stability
  
  

• 6–12 months: Full recovery with stable fusion on imaging
  
  

Why Choose Desert Spine and Pain?

• Expert neurosurgeon: Dr. Greenwald has decades of experience performing complex corpectomies safely
  
  

• Advanced reconstruction tools: Expandable cages, navigation, and microsurgical techniques
  
  

• Comprehensive care: From diagnosis to rehab, everything under one roof
  
  

• Patient-centered approach: We guide you through the process, easing fears about such a major surgery
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I need a corpectomy instead of a discectomy?

Corpectomy is chosen when compression extends beyond a single disc space, involves bone, or requires wider decompression.

How invasive is a corpectomy?

It’s more invasive than standard decompression, but often the best or only way to fully relieve spinal cord compression.

Will I need a fusion after a corpectomy?

Yes. Fusion and stabilization are always performed after vertebral body removal.

How long before I recover?

Most patients notice improved nerve function within weeks, but full recovery—including fusion—takes 6–12 months.

How does Desert Spine and Pain perform corpectomy differently?

We use neurosurgical precision, advanced implants, and minimally invasive exposures whenever possible to maximize safety and recovery.