Spinal Tumor Surgery & Reconstruction

Comprehensive surgical management of primary and metastatic spine tumors with advanced reconstruction techniques. Expert resection, stabilization, and restoration of spinal function.

Tumor Resection Vertebral Reconstruction Spinal Stabilization Minimally Invasive Debulking

Understanding Spinal Tumors

Spinal tumors are abnormal growths that occur in or around the spine. They can be primary (originating in the spine) or metastatic (spreading from cancer elsewhere in the body). Some tumors are benign, while others are malignant and require urgent surgical intervention.

Symptoms include back pain that worsens at night, progressive weakness or numbness in the legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, and difficulty walking. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent permanent spinal cord damage.

Treatment depends on tumor type, location, size, and whether it involves the spinal cord or nerve roots. Surgery aims to remove or debulk the tumor while preserving or restoring spinal function and stability.

Vertebral Body Tumors

Tumors in the vertebral body often require reconstruction with bone graft or implants after resection.

Intradural Tumors

Inside the spinal canal but outside the cord. Require microsurgical resection and careful neural preservation.

Intramedullary Tumors

Within the spinal cord itself. Extremely delicate surgery with intraoperative neuromonitoring essential.

Metastatic Disease

Cancer spreading to the spine. Debulking and stabilization improve pain control and function.

Diagnostic Imaging for Spinal Tumors

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MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Gold standard for detecting spinal cord tumors. Shows tumor location, extent, and relationship to neural structures with superior soft tissue contrast.

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CT (Computed Tomography)

Excellent for showing bone detail and tumor involvement of vertebral body. CT helps guide surgical approach and reconstruction planning.

Clinical Case: Lumbar Spinal Tumor Resection & Reconstruction

Real patient case demonstrating comprehensive surgical management of a lumbar spinal tumor with complete resection, vertebral reconstruction, and posterior stabilization using minimally invasive techniques.

Pre-Operative Imaging

Pre-operative CT imaging showing spinal tumor

CT Sagittal & Coronal: Tumor location and vertebral involvement clearly visualized

Pre-operative MRI showing spinal cord compression

MRI Sagittal: Spinal cord compression and tumor extent in relation to neural structures

Intra-Operative & Post-Operative

Initial positioning: Single rod placement for anterior support during tumor resection

AP View: Bilateral pedicle screws with connecting rods providing posterior stabilization

Lateral fluoroscopic view showing sagittal alignment

Lateral View: Final reconstruction showing spinal alignment and hardware position

Surgical Approach & Outcome

Procedure: Combined anterior and posterior approach with tumor resection, vertebral body reconstruction using bone graft, and posterior pedicle screw fixation

Technique: Minimally invasive access to achieve complete tumor removal while preserving spinal cord function and restoring sagittal alignment

Result: Complete tumor resection with restored spinal stability, decompression of neural structures, and excellent pain relief. Patient maintained neurological function with restoration of mobility and walking tolerance.

Surgical Options for Spinal Tumors

Microscopic Tumor Resection

Precise removal of primary and intradural tumors using operating microscope with intraoperative neuromonitoring to protect nerve function and maximize tumor control.

Vertebral Body Reconstruction

After tumor resection, vertebral body is reconstructed using structural bone graft, allograft, or expandable interbody cages to restore spinal height and alignment.

Posterior Stabilization

Pedicle screw instrumentation provides immediate stability and long-term fusion. Minimally invasive techniques reduce operative trauma while maintaining anatomical reduction.

Minimally Invasive Debulking

For select metastatic disease, percutaneous or MIS techniques reduce tumor burden with lower morbidity, pain relief, and preservation of mobility.

Recovery Timeline

Days 1-3: Immediate Post-Op

Pain management, wound monitoring, and early mobilization with physical therapy supervision. Most patients progress rapidly with minimal complications.

Weeks 1-2: Early Recovery

Limiting strenuous activity, pain medication adjustment, and beginning light physical therapy. Patients gain confidence in stability and begin walking.

Weeks 3-6: Active Healing

Progressive physical therapy, return to light activity, and gradual independence. Most patients return to basic self-care and light work during this period.

Weeks 7-12: Strengthening Phase

Progressive resistance exercises, return to work, and continued functional improvement. Pain typically resolves significantly during this phase.

Month 6-12: Long-Term Function

Return to normal activities, exercise, and sports. Fusion consolidates while instrumentation provides ongoing stability and support.

How we think through this condition

Every spine decision should answer the same practical questions before surgery is considered.

What is causing the symptoms?We connect your pain, weakness, numbness or walking limits to imaging and exam findings.

What has already been tried?Physical therapy, medications, injections and time matter when they fit the diagnosis.

What are the surgical goals?The goal may be nerve relief, stability, deformity correction or preserving function.

What is the recovery plan?You should know the expected timeline, restrictions and support needs before making a decision.