Osseous lesions of the cervical spine

Osseous lesions of the cervical spine present a spectrum of histopathology varying from benign to highly malignant tumors. Vertebral body resection and reconstruction are possible at all levels of the cervical spine. This affords decompression of the spinal cord even with anterior or anterolateral masses. Resection of the posterior arch or vertebral body should be followed by internal fixation with Halifax clamps, Roy-Camille plates, or Ransford rods posteriorly with a bony fusion or by Caspar plates, strut grafts, or acrylic anteriorly. Restoration of spinal alignment must be carefully planned to correct any structural deficits. In those patients who are not considered as surgical candidates, steroids, chemotherapy, or radiation remain effective alternatives in attempting to relieve pain or reverse neurologic deficits. Earlier awareness and evaluation for this group of patients will afford relief of pain, reversal of neurological deficits, stabilization of the cervical spine, and early immobilization.