Complications of multilevel cervical corpectomies and reconstruction with titanium cages and anterior plating

J Spinal Disord Tech. 2003 Feb;16(1):1-8; discussion 8-9. doi: 10.1097/00024720-200302000-00001.

Abstract

The ideal surgical treatment of multilevel cervical spondylosis remains unclear. This study analyzed the complications in using titanium cages and plating to reconstruct multilevel cervical corpectomies. This was a retrospective analysis of 21 consecutive patients who had multilevel cervical corpectomies and reconstruction with titanium cages and anterior plating. Sixteen had 2-level, one had 2.5-level, three had 3-level, and one had 3.5-level corpectomies. All had reconstruction with titanium cages and anterior plating. Thirty-three percent of the patients developed complications. Radiographs revealed bony consolidation in 95% of patients. Reconstructing multilevel cervical corpectomies with titanium cages and plating is associated with complications. Advantages include rigid immobilization and the avoidance of iliac crest bone graft harvesting. Major complications are largely the result of failures of the cage and plate construct, especially in patients with osteopenic bone. Supplemental posterior stabilization may be considered for cases with spasticity or greater than 2-level corpectomies with profound osteoporosis.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bone Plates / adverse effects*
  • Bone Transplantation
  • Cervical Vertebrae / diagnostic imaging
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Plastic Surgery Procedures / methods
  • Prosthesis Failure
  • Radiography
  • Reoperation
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Spinal Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Spinal Diseases / etiology
  • Spinal Fusion / adverse effects*
  • Spinal Fusion / instrumentation*
  • Spinal Fusion / methods
  • Titanium*
  • Treatment Failure
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Titanium