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OBJECTIVE: Multi-segmental total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) gradually became more commonly used by clinicians. However, the choice of surgical strategy is unclear. This study aims to investigate the biomechanical performance of different prosthesis types and fixation ranges in multisegmental TES. METHODS: In this study, a validated finite element model of T12-L2 post-spondylectomy operations were carried out. The prostheses of these models used either 3D-printed artificial vertebrae or titanium mesh cages. The fixed range was two or three segment levels. Range of motion, stress distribution of the endplate and internal fixation system, intervertebral disc pressure, and facet joint surface force of four postoperative models and intact model in flexion and extension, as well as lateral bending and rotation were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The type of prosthesis used in the anterior column reconstruction mainly affected the stress of the adjacent endplate and the prosthesis itself. The posterior fixation range had a greater influence on the overall range of motion (ROM), the ROM of the adjacent segment, the stress of the screw-rod system, and adjacent facet joint surface force. For the model of the same prosthesis, the increase of fixed length resulted in an obvious reduction of ROM. The maximal decrease was 70.23% during extension, and the minimal decrease was 30.19% during rotation. CONCLUSION: In three-segment TES, the surgical strategy of using 3D-printed artificial prosthesis for anterior column support and pedicle screws for posterior fixation at both two upper and lower levels respectively can reduce the stress on internal fixation system, endplates, and adjacent intervertebral discs, resulting in a reduced risk of internal fixation failure, and ASD development.

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Vertebral haemangiomas are common amongst primary benign tumours of the spine, usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally, whereby symptomatic cases are rare. Aggressive vertebral haemangiomas, occurring even less frequently, are characterized by their expansion, resulting in pain and neural compression symptoms. Depending on presentation and severity, several treatment options exist, and when causing progressive neurological deficit, surgical decompression and resection is warranted. Despite local recurrence being rare, regular follow-ups to detect recurrence are advised. In case of recurrent aggressive vertebral haemangiomas, however, subsequent treatment strategy usually depends on a case-by-case consideration, whereby reports in the literature are lacking. We describe a case of a recurrent aggressive vertebral haemangiomas of the thoracic spine in a 20-year-old male causing progressive thoracic myelopathy with segmental kyphosis, treated with a revision total en bloc spondylectomy and a multilevel fixation with vertebral column reconstruction using radiolucent instrumentation.

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BACKGROUND: For patients with acute paraplegia caused by spinal giant cell tumor (GCT) who require emergency decompressive surgery, there is still a lack of relevant reports on surgical options. This study is the first to present the case of an acute paraplegic patient with a thoracic spinal GCT who underwent an emergency total en bloc spondylectomy (TES). Despite tumor recurrence, three-level TES was repeated after denosumab therapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 27-year-old female patient who underwent single-level TES in an emergency presented with sudden severe back pain and acute paraplegia due to a thoracic spinal tumor. After emergency TES, the patient's spinal cord function recovered, and permanent paralysis was avoided. The postoperative histopathological examination revealed that the excised neoplasm was a rare GCT. Unfortunately, the tumor recurred 9 months after the first surgery. After 12 months of denosumab therapy, the tumor size was reduced, and tumor calcification. To prevent recurrent tumor progression and provide a possible cure, a three-level TES was performed again. The patient returned to an active lifestyle 1 month after the second surgery, and no recurrence of GCT was found at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: This patient with acute paraplegia underwent TES twice, including once in an emergency, and achieved good therapeutic results. TES in emergency surgery is feasible and safe when conditions permit; however, it may increase the risk of tumor recurrence.

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BACKGROUND: Primary malignant tumors of the spine are rare and most commonly occur in lumbar and thoracic vertebrae. We report a rare case of retroperitoneal chondrosarcoma of L3 that was managed with sagittal en bloc spondylectomy following chemoradiation. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 26-year-old woman was evaluated for abdominal pain with contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis, which revealed a soft tissue retroperitoneal mass arising from L3. She underwent laparotomy and biopsy, which revealed chondrosarcoma, and she received chemoradiation over a period of 28 weeks 6 days. After repeat imaging, she underwent single-stage combined approach sagittal en bloc spondylectomy of retroperitoneal chondrosarcoma of L3 with right nephrectomy and spine reconstruction. At 3-year follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence on contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis. She demonstrated no gait abnormality or spinal deformity. CONCLUSIONS: Sagittal en bloc spondylectomy is a preferred surgical approach for eccentrically placed spinal tumors that offers better oncological and functional outcomes.

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Propose: This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether 3D-printed artificial vertebral bodies (AVBs) have superior clinical efficacy compared to conventional titanium mesh cages (TMCs) for spinal reconstruction after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) for spinal tumors. Methods: Electronic databases, including PubMed, OVID, ScienceDirect, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, WANFANG, and CNKI, were searched to identify clinical trials investigating 3D-printed AVB versus conventional TMC from inception to August 2023. Data on the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, preoperative and postoperative Frankel classification of spinal cord injury, vertebral body subsidence, and early complications were collected from eligible studies for a meta-analysis. Data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 14.0. Results: Nine studies assessing 374 patients were included. The results revealed significant differences between the 3D-printed AVB and conventional TMC groups with regard to operation time (P = 0.04), intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.004), postoperative VAS score (P = 0.02), vertebral body subsidence (P < 0.0001), and early complications (P = 0.02). Conversely, the remaining preoperative VAS score and Frankel classifications (pre-and postoperative) did not differ significantly between the groups. Conclusion: The 3D-printed AVB in spinal reconstruction after TES for spinal tumors has the advantages of a short operative time, little intraoperative blood loss, weak postoperative pain, low occurrence of vertebral body subsidence and early complications, and a significant curative effect. This could provide a strong basis for physicians to make clinical decisions. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023441521, identifier CRD42023441521.

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To compare total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) with stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) for single spinal metastasis, we undertook a single center retrospective study. We identified patients who had undergone TES or SABR for a single spinal metastasis between 2000 and 2019. Medical records and images were reviewed for patient and tumor characteristics, and oncologic outcomes. Patients who received TES were matched to those who received SABR to compare local control and survival. A total of 89 patients were identified, of whom 20 and 69 received TES and SABR, respectively. A total of 38 matched patients were analyzed (19 TES and 19 SABR). The median follow-up period was 54.4 (TES) and 26.1 months (SABR) for matched patients. Two-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 66.7% and 72.2% in the TES and 38.9% and 50.7% in the SABR group, respectively. At the final follow-up of the matched cohorts, no significant differences were noted in OS (p = 0.554), PFS (p = 0.345) or local progression (p = 0.133). The rate of major complications was higher in the TES than in the SABR group (21.1% vs. 10.5%, p = 0.660). These findings suggest that SABR leads to fewer complications compared to TES, while TES exhibits better mid-term control of metastatic tumors.

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The multidisciplinary treatment model led by surgery has become a comprehensive strategy and overall concept for the treatment of spinal metastatic tumors. But the surgical treatment of spinal metastatic tumors is different from primary malignant tumors of the spine. Surgery is only a part of the multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment. Therefore, the following aspects need to be evaluated comprehensively based on the survival assessment, evaluation of spinal stability damage, nerve dysfunction, and oncological characteristics of the metastatic tumors with a reasonable surgical intervention. The attention should be paid to the minimally invasive treatment of spinal metastases, progress of new radiotherapy technology, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, targeted drug therapy and other medical treatment to make a comprehensive and individualization decision which is benefit to relieve patients ' pain, reconstruct spinal stability and avoid paralysis. While improving patient survival, increasing local tumor control rate and possibly prolonging survival time, avoiding excessive surgery as much as possible.

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[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1109643.].

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BACKGROUND: Pheochromocytoma is an adrenal medullary neuroendocrine tumor that rarely metastasizes to the spine. Currently, its specific treatment methods still present challenges. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 41-year-old male patient who underwent left total adrenalectomy due to pheochromocytoma 3 years ago presented with lower back pain, accompanied by numbness and decreased muscle strength in both legs, as well as decreased sensation. Abnormal transmittance of the L3 vertebral body could be seen on anterior-posterior and lateral lumbar X-rays, irregular bone destruction of the L3 vertebral body was found on CT, and an MRI scan showed that the tumor was located within the L3 vertebral body, protruding into the spinal canal and compressing the epidural sac. No recurrence was found in the abdomen. Preoperatively, perform local embolization of the blood vessels supplying the tumor. First, the L2-3 intervertebral disc, L3-4 intervertebral disc and L3 vertebral body were removed using an anterior approach, the whole tumor was removed, and some of the vertebrae were taken for pathological examination and replaced with a 3D-printed prosthesis. Then, four pedicle screws were placed in the bilateral pedicles of L2 and L4 using the posterior approach, pre-bent connecting rods were installed to replace the bone cortex of the lamina and articular process followed by bone graft fusion of the interlaminar and facet joints. The postoperative results were satisfactory, and there were no perioperative complications. CONCLUSION: Lumbar pheochromocytoma metastasis is rare, difficult to treat, and should be considered in spinal metastases' differential diagnoses so early diagnosis can be made based on medical history and imaging. Preoperative local vascular imaging and embolization of the blood supply vessels were performed. After total en-bloc spondylectomy of the tumor during surgery, a prosthesis was implanted and combined with pedicle screw fixation to reconstruct spinal biomechanical stability, achieving satisfactory results. Therefore, 3D printed artificial vertebral bodies are a good choice for treating adrenal pheochromocytoma lumbar metastasis. The key to successful treatment is close interdisciplinary collaboration in formulating rigorous comprehensive perioperative plans.

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BACKGROUND: Osteosarcoma, the most common primary malignant bone tumor in childhood, very rarely occurs in the spine. Criteria of complete tumor resection/stable reconstruction of osteosarcoma and the latest protocol of neoadjuvant chemotherapy of the spine have not been reported because of its rarity, technical difficulties, and its continued severe surgical risk. CASE REPORT: A 11-year-old female complained of back pain for several months and walking disability. The workup discovered a large destructive bone lesion in the thoracic 12th (Th12) with vertebral body collapse and subluxation, large amount of associated anteroposterior soft tissue components, and narrowing of the spinal canal. Histology at the 1st decompression and emergent instrumentation surgery revealed giant cell-rich osteosarcoma. Following the 1st surgery, we performed three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on the osteosarcoma 95J (NECO95J) protocol and evaluated efficacy of chemotherapy on the Th12 tumor. The tumor was isolated only to Th12 spine following chemotherapy. Therefore, following vascular embolization of the Th12 tumor, we performed surgical resection by single posterior approach that included total en bloc spondylectomy (TES). She recovered well postoperatively, without motor or sensory deficit and no back pain. Six cycles of postoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy were administered after the 2nd surgery and TES. The patient was disease-free at the 8-months clinical and radiological follow-up and showed no neurological involvement at 8-months. CONCLUSION: We reported a case of pediatric spinal osteosarcoma, the surgical technique of complete tumor resection, and stable reconstruction of spinal osteosarcoma. We also discussed the recent neoadjuvant chemotherapy protocol for osteosarcoma.

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BACKGROUND: The influence of total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) on spinal stability is substantial, necessitating strong fixation to restore spinal stability. The transverse connector (TC) serves as a posterior spinal instrumentation that connects the left and right sides of the pedicle screw-rod system. Several studies have highlighted the potential of a TC in enhancing the stability of the fixed segments. However, contradictory results have suggested that a TC not only fails to improve the stability of the fixed segments but also might promote stress associated with internal fixation. To date, there is a lack of previous research investigating the biomechanical effects of a TC on TES. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effects of a TC on internal fixation during TES of the lumbar (L) spine. METHODS: A single-segment (L3 segment) TES was simulated using a comprehensive L spine finite element model. Five models were constructed based on the various positions of the TC, namely the intact model (L1-sacrum), the TES model without a TC, the TES model with a TC at L1-2, the TES model with a TC at L2-4, and the TES model with a TC at L4-5. Mechanical analysis of these distinct models was conducted using the Abaqus software to assess the variations in the biomechanics of the pedicle screw-rod system, titanium cage, and adjacent endplates. RESULTS: The stability of the surgical segments was found to be satisfactory across all models. Compared with the complete model, the internal fixation device exhibited the greatest constraint on overextension (95.2-95.6%), while showing the least limitation on left/right rotation (53.62-55.64%). The application of the TC had minimal effect on the stability of the fixed segments, resulting in a maximum reduction in segment mobility of 0.11° and a variation range of 3.29%. Regardless of the use of a TC, no significant changes in stress were observed for the titanium cage. In the model without the TC, the maximum von Mises stress (VMS) for the pedicle screw-rod system reached 136.9 MPa during anterior flexion. Upon the addition of a TC, the maximum VMS of the pedicle screw-rod system increased to varying degrees. The highest recorded VMS was 459.3 MPa, indicating a stress increase of 335.5%. Following the TC implantation, the stress on the adjacent endplate exhibited a partial reduction, with the maximum stress reduced by 27.6%. CONCLUSION: The use of a TC in TES does not improve the stability of the fixed segments and instead might result in increased stress concentration within the internal fixation devices. Based on these findings, the routine utilisation of TC in TES is deemed unnecessary.

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This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) for spinal metastases previously treated with radiotherapy (RT). This study enrolled 142 patients who were divided into two groups: those with and those without an RT history. Forty-two patients were selected from each group through propensity score matching, and postoperative complications, local recurrence, and overall survival rates were compared. The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in the group with an RT history than in the group without an RT history (57.1% vs. 35.7%, respectively). The group with an RT history had a higher local recurrence rate than the group without an RT history (1-year rate: 17.5% vs. 0%; 2-year rate: 20.8% vs. 2.9%; 5-year rate: 24.4% vs. 6.9%). The overall postoperative survival tended to be lower in the group with an RT history; however, there was no significant difference between the two groups (2-year survival: 64.3% vs. 66.7%; 5-year survival: 47.3% vs. 57.1%). When planning a TES for irradiated spinal metastases, the risk of postoperative complications and local recurrence should be fully considered.

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Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) is an effective treatment for spinal tumors. However, its complication rate is high, and the corresponding risk factors remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors for postoperative complications after TES, including the patient's general condition, such as frailty and their levels of inflammatory biomarkers. We included 169 patients who underwent TES at our hospital from January 2011-December 2021. The complication group comprised patients who experienced postoperative complications that required additional intensive treatments. We analyzed the relationship between early complications and the following factors: age, sex, body mass index, type of tumor, location of tumor, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, physical status, frailty (categorized by the 5-factor Modified Frailty Index [mFI-5]), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, preoperative chemotherapy, preoperative radiotherapy, surgical approach, and the number of resected vertebrae. Of the 169 patients, 86 (50.1%) were included in the complication group. Multivariate analysis showed that high mFI-5 scores (odds ratio [OR] = 2.99, p < 0.001) and an increased number of resected vertebrae (OR = 1.87, p = 0.018) were risk factors for postoperative complications. Frailty and the number of resected vertebrae were independent risk factors for postoperative complications after TES for spinal tumors.

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PURPOSE: Although total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) is strongly recommended for spinal giant cell tumor (GCT), it is extremely difficult to excise a L5 neoplasm intactly through the single-stage posterior approach. Given the risk of neurological and vascular injury, intralesional curettage (IC) is usually recommended for the treatment of L5 GCT. In this study, we presented our experience with the use of an improved TES to treat L5 GCT through the single-stage posterior approach. METHODS: This study included 20 patients with L5 GCT who received surgical treatment in our department between September 2010 and April 2021. Of them, seven patients received improved TES without iliac osteotomy, and the other 13 patients received IC (n = 8), sagittal en bloc resection (n = 1), TES with iliac osteotomy (n = 3), and TES with radicotomy (n = 1) as control. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 331.43 ± 92.95 min for improved TES group and 365.77 ± 85.17 min for the control group (p = 0.415), with the mean blood loss of 1142.86 ± 340.87 ml vs. 1969.23 ± 563.30 ml (p = 0.002). Postoperative treatment included bisphosphonates in nine patients and denosumab in 12 patients including one patient who changed from bisphosphonates to denosumab. Three patients who received IC experienced local recurrence, and no relapse was observed in improved TES group. CONCLUSION: Single-stage posterior TES for L5 GCT was previously considered impossible. In this study, we presented our experience with the use of an improved surgical technique for L5 TES through the single-stage posterior approach, which has proved to be superior to the conventional procedures in terms of blood loss control and complication and recurrence rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

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BACKGROUND: The current guidelines for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer encourage local curative treatment for selected patients with oligometastases. This study evaluated the surgical results of total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) for isolated spinal metastases originating from lung cancer in carefully selected patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 14 patients (7 men and 7 women) who underwent TES for spinal metastases originating from lung cancer between 2000 and 2017. The primary outcome measure was the postoperative overall survival time. The histological types included adenocarcinoma (n = 12), pleomorphic carcinoma (n = 1), and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) (n = 1 patient). We assessed postoperative survival using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank test. RESULTS: The median postoperative survival time was 83.0 months (6-162 months) in 13 patients with non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and 6 months in 1 patient with SCLC. The 3-, 5-, and 10-year overall survival rates in patients with NSCLC were 61.5%, 53.8%, and 15.4%, respectively. Poor postoperative performance status (PS) and Frankel grade, and preoperative irradiation to the vertebrae to be resected were significantly associated with short-term survival after TES in patients with NSCLC (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The surgical results of TES for spinal metastases of lung cancer were relatively favorable among carefully selected patients. TES may be indicated for spinal metastases of lung cancer in patients with controlled primary lung cancer, NSCLC histology, prospect of good postoperative PS, and preferably no irradiation to the target vertebrae.

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OBJECTIVE: Total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) is an important surgical treatment for spinal tumors that can achieve en bloc resection of the affected vertebral body by using the T-saw. However, the conventional TES process and the surgical instruments currently in use have some inconveniences, which may lead to longer operative times and a higher incidence of complications. To address these obstacles, we developed a modified TES technique using a homemade intervertebral hook blade. The objectives of this study were to describe our modified total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) using a homemade intervertebral hook blade and to assess its clinical effects in patients with spinal tumors. METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients with spinal tumors were included from September 2018 to November 2021. Eleven patients underwent a modified TES using an intervertebral hook blade, and 12 patients underwent a conventional TES using a wire saw. Details of the modified technique for TES were depicted, and the intraoperative blood loss, operative time, and improvement in pain symptom and neurological function measured by visual analog score (VAS) and American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score of all patients was reviewed and analyzed. Nonparametric analysis of covariates (ANCOVA) was performed to compare the clinical outcomes between patients treated with modified TES and conventional TES. RESULTS: The modified TES significantly reduced operative time (F = 7.935, p = 0.010) and achieved favorable improvement of neurological function (F = 0.570, p = 0.459) and relief of pain (F = 3.196, p = 0.088) compared with the conventional TES group. The mean intraoperative blood loss in the modified TES group (2381.82 ml) was lower than that in the conventional TES group (3558.33 ml), although the difference was not statistically significant (F = 0.677, p = 0.420). CONCLUSIONS: Modified TES using the intervertebral hook blade can effectively reduce the operation time and intraoperative bleeding, and meanwhile ensure the improvement of neurological function and relief of pain symptoms, suggesting that this modified technique is feasible, safe, and effective for spinal tumors.

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Background: Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is an extremely uncommon malignant neoplasm that originates from vascular endothelial or pre-endothelial cells. In this report, we present the case of patient who was diagnosed with a primary giant EHE of the spine and underwent treatment with total en-bloc spondylectomy (TES). Case presentation: A 43-year-old male patient with a history of he presented to our hospital with chronic and progressive back pain. Physical examination revealed weakened sensation of acupuncture and touch on the left costal arch, while relatively normal neurological functions were preserved. Radiological examinations identified a giant destructive soft tissue lesion occupying the T8 vertebral region, with moderate destruction of the pedicle and lamina, as well as the 7th left rib. A preoperative biopsy of the 8th vertebra resulted in a diagnosis of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma(EHE). Postoperative immunohistochemical and pathological reports confirmed the presence of EHE in the left ribs and T8 ribs. The patient underwent resection of the 7th left rib and posterior pedicle screw fixation with 8 pairs of screws and a titanium mesh cage. Subsequently, thoracic en bloc spondylectomy was performed on the T8 vertebra. The patient did not receive radiation or chemotherapy following surgery. Over a period of 3 years, the patient remained free of disease and relapse. Conclusion: The use of transarterial embolization with spherical embolic agents (TES) has been demonstrated to be a safe, effective, and reliable treatment option for hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE). Nevertheless, it is crucial to conduct long-term follow-up of this patient in order to assess their clinical outcome.