Surgical Management of Chondrosarcoma of the T11 With The Aid of a 3D Printed Model: A Case Report With Review of Literature.

Abstract

Chondrosarcoma accounts for approximately 26% of primary osseous spinal tumours, which are exceedingly rare. It most frequently affects the thoracic vertebrae, with a characteristic involvement of both the vertebral body and posterior elements. These tumours are typically slow-growing and present with nonspecific symptoms such as vague back discomfort or pain. Diagnostic evaluation includes CT and MRI imaging of the entire spine, plain radiographs, and a plain chest CT scan for systemic staging. Surgical en bloc resection with negative margins (R0) remains the gold standard for achieving local control and enhancing overall survival. We present a case of T11 chondrosarcoma that was successfully treated with the aid of a 3D-printed model. An 18-year-old patient presented with a two-year history of vague lower back discomfort, later accompanied by swelling but without pain or neurological symptoms. Imaging revealed a destructive lesion involving the T11 vertebral body, posterior elements, and the 11th rib, with characteristic ring-and-arc calcification patterns suggestive of chondrosarcoma. The patient underwent en bloc surgical resection with posterior instrumented spinal fusion facilitated by a 3D-printed spinal model for enhanced surgical precision. At 36 months postoperatively, the patient remains in good health, with no neurological deficits, wound complications, recurrence, or metastatic disease, and exhibits excellent functional outcomes. Spinal chondrosarcoma is an extremely rare entity, with en bloc resection and negative margins representing the cornerstone of effective management. The surgical approach should be tailored to the extent and anatomical involvement of the tumour.