En bloc resection of multilevel cervical chordoma with C-2 involvement. Case report and description of operative technique

J Neurosurg Spine. 2005 Feb;2(2):199-205. doi: 10.3171/spi.2005.2.2.0199.

Abstract

Chordomas are locally aggressive neoplasms with an extremely high propensity to recur locally following resection, despite adjuvant therapy. This biological behavior has led most authors to conclude that en bloc resection provides the best chance for the patient's prolonged disease-free survival and possible cure. The authors present a case of an extensive upper cervical chordoma treated by en bloc resection, reconstruction, and long-segment stabilization. Total spondylectomy of C2-4 with sacrifice of the right C2-4 nerve roots and a segment of the right vertebral artery was performed. The inherent anatomical complexities of en bloc resection in the upper cervical spine are discussed. To the authors' knowledge, this represents the first report of an en bloc resection for multi-level cervical chordoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Screws
  • Bone Transplantation
  • Bone Wires
  • Cervical Vertebrae / pathology
  • Cervical Vertebrae / surgery*
  • Chordoma / diagnosis
  • Chordoma / pathology
  • Chordoma / surgery*
  • Diskectomy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Microsurgery*
  • Occipital Bone / pathology
  • Occipital Bone / surgery
  • Odontoid Process / pathology
  • Odontoid Process / surgery
  • Pharynx / pathology
  • Pharynx / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / therapy
  • Reoperation
  • Spinal Fusion
  • Spinal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Spinal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Spinal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / pathology
  • Spinal Nerve Roots / surgery
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / pathology
  • Thoracic Vertebrae / surgery
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed