Medicine:Corpectomy

From HandWiki
Short description: Surgical procedure
Corpectomy
Corpectomy.png
Other namesVertebrectomy
ICD-9-CM80.99

A corpectomy or vertebrectomy is a surgical procedure that involves removing all or part of the vertebral body (Latin: corpus vertebrae, hence the name corpectomy), usually as a way to decompress the spinal cord and nerves. Corpectomy is often performed in association with some form of discectomy.[1]

When the vertebral body has been removed, the surgeon performs a vertebral fusion. Because a space in the column remains from the surgery, it must be filled using a block of bone taken from the pelvis or one of the leg bones or with a manufactured component such as a cage. This bone graft holds the remaining vertebrae apart. As it heals, the vertebrae grow together and fuse.[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Cervical Corpectomy". University of Maryland Medical Center. 17 June 2013. http://umm.edu/programs/spine/health/guides/cervical-corpectomy. Retrieved 13 February 2013.