Anterior Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion
What is it?
Anterior Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion is a surgical procedure used to address severe spinal conditions in the lower back, or lumbar region of the spine. This technique is mainly employed when there is a need to remove a vertebral body – often due to severe spinal stenosis, tumors, fractures, or significant degenerative disc disease – and then stabilize the spine.
This procedure is typically recommended for patients who have not found relief with conservative treatments and have conditions that warrant the removal of a vertebral body. It’s especially relevant for those with spinal instability, severe degenerative changes, tumors, or fractures in the lumbar spine.
Recovery from Anterior Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion involves a hospital stay and a period of rehabilitation. The recovery process includes pain management, physical therapy to regain mobility, and careful monitoring of the fusion process. The complete fusion of the graft with the surrounding vertebrae, essential for long-term stability, can take several months.
Procedure
The primary goal of Anterior Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion is twofold: firstly, to remove the damaged or diseased vertebral segment that is causing pain or neurological symptoms, such as numbness or weakness, and secondly, to restore stability to the spine. This dual approach helps alleviate symptoms while preventing future spinal instability or deformity.
The “anterior” aspect of the procedure refers to the surgical approach from the front of the body. This approach allows direct access to the lumbar spine while avoiding significant back muscle and spinal nerve disruption.
During the surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to access the lumbar spine. The affected vertebral body, often along with adjacent intervertebral discs, is carefully removed to relieve any pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots.
After removing the vertebral body, the gap in the spine is filled with a bone graft or a synthetic cage. This implant, combined with the use of plates, screws, or rods, provides immediate structural support and stability to the spine. Over time, the bone graft fuses with the adjacent vertebrae, creating a solid column of bone.