Vertebral Column Resection

A vertebral column resection is a procedure reserved for the most severe spinal deformities.  These include sharp angular curvatures including rigid scoliosis and kyphosis.

Vertebral column resection involves removing segments of the spine including the body of the vertebra and the posterior elements, which include the lamina, transverse process, and ribs (for procedures in the thoracic spine).  This can be done all from a posterior (back) or combined anterior (front), and posterior approach.  Dr. Lonner tends to perform this procedure all from the back.  There is some increased risk to this operation compared to other scoliosis and kyphosis operations in that the spine is completely disarticulated.  Dr. Lonner increases the safety associated with the procedure by preserving ligaments in the front of the spine and by providing temporary stabilization with rods and screws during the performance of the procedure.  Several examples of the operation are illustrated below.

Case Example #1

This is a 33 year old female from the former Soviet Union with progressive thoracolumbar scoliosis of 73 degrees, associated with signifcant back pain.  She underwent posterior vertebral column resection and her curvature is now maintained at 24 degrees. 

Case Example #2

This is a 60 year old woman from South America with a long history of back problems.  She sustained fractures of the T7 and T8 vertebrae which was treated in 2006 by a neurosurgeon but without stabilization of the curvature following this surgery, she had progression of her kyphosis to 112 degrees.  She underwent posterior vertebral column resection and her curvature is now corrected to 53 degrees. 

There are only a handful of surgeons around the world who can safely perform this operation and Dr. Lonner is one of those surgeons.  In many cases, near complete correction of very severe deformity can be achieved.  This operation is only reserved for the most severe cases.

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