What Is Lumbar Corpectomy and Fusion?
Lumbar corpectomy and fusion is a complex spine surgery performed to remove severe spinal damage and restore stability in the lower back. This procedure is typically recommended when a single vertebral body in the lumbar spine is so damaged that simpler treatments, such as decompression or standard fusion, are not sufficient. While it is less commonly performed than other spine surgeries, lumbar corpectomy and fusion can be critical for relieving pressure on the spinal nerves and stabilizing the spine in serious conditions.
Understanding the Lumbar Spine
The lumbar spine consists of five vertebrae located in the lower back. These vertebrae support much of the body’s weight and allow for movement such as bending and twisting. Between each vertebra are intervertebral discs that act as shock absorbers. When one of these vertebral bodies becomes severely damaged, it can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots and cause significant pain, weakness, or loss of function.
What Is a Lumbar Corpectomy?
A corpectomy involves removing all or part of a vertebral body, along with the surrounding discs, to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. In the lumbar region, this procedure is typically performed when damage extends beyond the disc and into the bone itself.
Conditions that may require a lumbar corpectomy include spinal tumors, severe fractures, infections, deformities, or advanced degenerative disease that compromises spinal stability. By removing the damaged bone, the surgeon creates space for the nerves and eliminates the source of compression.
Why Fusion Is Necessary
Once the vertebral body is removed, the spine becomes unstable. To restore strength and alignment, spinal fusion is performed as part of the same procedure. Fusion involves placing a structural implant or bone graft into the space where the vertebra was removed. This implant helps maintain proper spinal height and alignment.
Metal hardware such as rods and screws are also used to stabilize the spine while the bone heals and fuses over time. The fusion process allows the surrounding vertebrae to grow together into a solid unit, providing long-term stability.
How the Surgery Is Performed
Lumbar corpectomy and fusion is performed under general anesthesia and may take several hours, depending on the complexity of the case. The surgeon may access the spine from the front, back, or a combination of both approaches, depending on the location of the damaged vertebra and surrounding structures.
During the procedure, the damaged vertebral body and discs are carefully removed. A cage or spacer is placed in the empty space to support the spine, and hardware is installed to hold everything in proper alignment during healing.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from lumbar corpectomy and fusion is longer than many other spine surgeries due to the complexity of the procedure. Patients typically spend several days in the hospital for pain management and monitoring. Walking often begins within the first few days to promote circulation and healing.
Physical therapy plays a key role in recovery, focusing on restoring strength, mobility, and proper movement patterns. Full fusion can take several months to a year, and activity restrictions are common during the early healing phase.
Risks and Outcomes
As with any major spine surgery, lumbar corpectomy and fusion carries risks, including infection, blood loss, nerve injury, and incomplete fusion. However, for patients with severe spinal instability or nerve compression, the procedure can significantly reduce pain, improve function, and prevent further neurological damage.
The Bottom Line
Lumbar corpectomy and fusion is a major surgical procedure designed to treat serious spinal conditions when other treatments are not effective. By removing a damaged vertebral body and stabilizing the spine through fusion, this surgery can relieve nerve compression and restore structural integrity to the lower back.
For patients facing complex spinal disease or injury, consulting an experienced spine surgeon is essential to determine whether lumbar corpectomy and fusion is the most appropriate treatment and to understand what to expect during recovery.
