What is thoracic corpectomy?
Thoracic corpectomy removes part or all of a vertebral body in the mid-back, together with adjacent disc material when required. It is considered when fracture, tumor or infection has severely damaged the bone, made the spine unstable or compressed the spinal cord.
After the diseased or damaged tissue is removed, the front column is rebuilt with a cage or structural graft. Screws and rods are commonly used to stabilize the spine while fusion develops.
How is the vertebra reached?
The route depends on the affected level, the location of the disease, the reconstruction required and the patient’s anatomy. The surgeon may work through or around the chest from the front or side, or reach the vertebral body through a posterior corridor such as a transpedicular or costotransverse approach. Imaging is used to plan the approach, which may be adapted if safety requires.
When is it considered?
The operation may be proposed when a smaller decompression or stabilization procedure would not adequately remove the disease, protect the spinal cord or rebuild the spine. Decisions for tumor or infection are usually made with oncology, infectious-disease, radiology and rehabilitation teams as relevant. Non-surgical treatment, radiotherapy, antimicrobial treatment, cement augmentation or a different operation may be alternatives in selected cases.
Risks and recovery
This is major surgery. Risks include substantial bleeding or transfusion, infection, spinal-fluid leak, spinal-cord or nerve injury including paralysis, lung complications, injury to nearby organs or blood vessels, implant failure, failure of the bones to join and further surgery. Hospital stay and recovery vary widely with the approach, neurological function, general health and the underlying fracture, tumor or infection. Rehabilitation and any oncology or infection treatment continue as part of the overall plan.
How we approach your care
- 01
Find the true source
We begin with a thorough history and examination, supported by imaging where appropriate, to pinpoint the precise source of the problem.
- 02
Consider appropriate options
Where clinically appropriate, we consider established non-surgical options before surgery. The plan depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, health and priorities of the individual patient.
- 03
A plan built around you
Every step is explained clearly, so you always understand your options and what comes next.
This may help if
- A fracture, tumor or infection has damaged the thoracic vertebral body and threatens stability
- Bone or diseased tissue is compressing the spinal cord and cannot be adequately treated with a smaller decompression
- The proposed approach, reconstruction and condition-specific alternatives have been reviewed by the relevant specialist team
Suitability can only be assessed after reviewing your symptoms, examination, relevant imaging and previous treatment.
Common questions
Does thoracic corpectomy always require surgery through the chest?
No. The vertebral body may be reached from the front or side through or around the chest, or from behind through a posterior corridor. The level, disease, amount of reconstruction required and the patient's anatomy determine the safest route.
How is the spine reconstructed?
After the required bone and adjacent disc material are removed, a cage or structural graft is used to rebuild the front column. Screws and rods are commonly added to stabilize the spine while fusion develops.
What are the risks?
This is major surgery. Risks include substantial bleeding or transfusion, infection, spinal-fluid leak, spinal-cord or nerve injury including paralysis, lung complications, injury to nearby organs or blood vessels, implant failure, non-union and further surgery. The underlying fracture, tumor or infection also affects risk and recovery.