Anterior Lumbar Corpectomy with Expandable Titanium Cage Reconstruction: A Case Series of 42 Patients

Background Burst fractures involve the anterior and middle columns with an intact posterior column. Deforming forces are magnified at areas of transition, making the thoracolumbar junction highly susceptible to injury. Methods This is a retrospective review of 42 consecutive patients who underwent single-level anterior lumbar corpectomy using an obelisc expandable titanium cage and lateral fixation for traumatic lumbar burst fractures. Results Myelopathy and sensory dysfunction were the most frequent neurologic deficits initially, occurring in 16 (38%) and 15 (36%) patients, respectively, which both decreased to 5 (13%). At follow-up, 26 patients (68%) were able to ambulate independently. No patient had significant cage displacement or needed cage replacement. Subsidence was minimal in 32 of 39 patients (82%). There were no hardware infections or surgical site infections. Options for stabilization include posterior instrumentation and fusion, anterior corpectomy with interbody fusion, and combination procedures. We believe anterior stabilization is superior because the aim is structural restoration of anterior and middle columns. The aim of posterior fixation is to replace the posterior tension band, which is not affected. There are 3 major surgical components to consider. First is anterior versus posterior decompression of the spinal canal. Second is the choice of autograft or titanium graft. Third is whether to stabilize posteriorly or anterolateral. Conclusions Anterior corpectomy with an expandable titanium cage and lateral rod fixation is safe and effective with minimal complications. It is a viable alternative to posterior decompression and instrumentation.