Cervical spinal metastasis: anterior reconstruction and stabilization techniques after tumor resection

Object. In a review of the literature, the authors provide an overview of various techniques that have evolved for reconstruction and stabilization after resection for metastatic disease in the subaxial cervical spine. Methods. Reconstruction and stabilization of the cervical spine after vertebral body (VB) resection for metastatic tumor is an important goal in the surgical management of spinal metastasis. Generally, the VB defect is reconstructed with bone autograft or allograft, polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), interbody spacers, and/or cages. In cases of PMMA-assisted reconstruction, internal devices are used to augment the fixation of PMMA. Stabilization is then achieved with anterior instrumentation, usually an anterior cervical locking plate. In some cases, posterior instrumentation may be necessary to supplement the anterior construct. Conclusions. Anterior cervical corpectomy followed by reconstruction and stabilization is an effective strategy in the management of spinal metastases in patients.