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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Modified Posterior Vertebral Column Resection for Patients with Thoracolumbar Kyphotic Deformity
Published on: September 16, 2022
Four-level cervical corpectomy
R L Saunders1, H J Pikus, P Ball
1Section of Neurological Surgery, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA.
Study Design:
Retrospective analysis of 31 cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy treated by four-level subaxial cervical corpectomy.
Objective:
To determine whether extremes of anterior decompression and fusion have inordinate or unique levels of morbidity.
Summary Of Background Data:
There is a paucity of data on experience with four-level corpectomy. However, counsel against such surgery can be found.
Materials And Methods:
The records and studies of 31 consecutive cases of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, treated by four-level corpectomy, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in 26 cases were observed longer than 2 years. No hardware was used in the procedures. External orthosis, worn for 6 months, was a Philadelphia-type collar in 25 patients and a halo vest in 6.
Results:
Three patients died within 3 weeks of surgery (9.7%). Delayed radiculopathy occurred in four patients after surgery, three had acute graft complications, and one had pseudomeningocele, for a morbidity rate of 25.8%. There was no infection or worsened myelopathy.
Conclusions:
No unique morbidity is associated with extremes of subaxial decompression when compared with surgery of lesser extent.
