Novel reconstruction technique using a frozen tumor-bearing vertebra from a total en bloc sponydylectomy for spinal tumors.

Abstract

This article describes a novel reconstruction technique using frozen tumor-bearing vertebrae in total en bloc spondylectomy for spinal tumors. Instead of harvesting autograft from the ilium or fibula, the resected lamina and vertebral body from the total en bloc spondylectomy are frozen in liquid nitrogen and used as grafted bone for spinal reconstruction. A retrospective review of 56 patients was undertaken. As a result of this review, it was determined that this technique has the benefits of no pain at the bone harvest site, shortened operative time, decreased blood loss, and an additional antitumor immune response.