The use of a massive combined bone graft in vertebrectomy for neoplastic disease of the thoracic and lumbar spine

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of a massive combined bone graft in the anterior spine after a complete or partial vertebrectomy of the thoracic or lumbar vertebral column tumors.Method:A total or partial vertebrectomy was performed at the involved thoracic or lumbar vertebral bodies in 36 patients.The resected vertebral body was reconstructed using a combined bone graft,which was composed of allogeneic bone strut and reconstituted bone xenograft.The spinal stability was supplemented with anterior instrumentation in all patients.Result:Thirty-three patients were followed up for 5 to 100 months.The average duration was 47 months.31 patients obtained an apparent solid fusion during 3 to 7 months(with an average of 4.3 months).Two patients demonstrated loss of fixation.No obvious complications were induced such as immune rejection,infection,collapse of bone graft material.Conclusion:The results suggest that this new combined bone graft material with anterior fixation provide stable biomechanical support in the early and late postoperative periods and the favorable bony fusion is achieved.