A Systematic Review with Consensus Expert Opinion of Best Reconstructive Techniques after Osseous Enbloc Spinal Column Tumor Resection.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic literature review and consensus expert opinion OBJECTIVE.: To provide recommendations on reconstructive constructs for large tumor resections of the spinal column. Four questions were studied: SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Primary spinal tumors requiring en bloc resection are rare. Most studies focus on disease-free survival and local recurrence rates. Few studies focus on reconstructive options and outcomes with respect to fusion rates and need for revision. METHODS: A literature search was performed from January 1990-December 2013. Data were combined and construct survivorship summarized. A survey was administered to international spine tumor surgeons, evaluating reconstructive preferences. RESULTS: The search yielded 381 articles, 12 included in the final analysis. Revision rates for anterior reconstruction were similar for autogenous strut grafts (10%), cages (7.7%), and allograft strut grafts (8.3%). There were 2 reports of revision from short to long segment constructs and 3 reports of broken pedicle screws, one requiring revision. Expert survey results revealed that most surgeons preferred cages packed with morcelized allograft and autograft (75%) for anterior reconstruction of single-level vertebrectomies, and strut bone grafting at the cervicothoracic junction (65%) and when more than one vertebrae was resected in the mid-thoracic spine (75%). Surgeons may alter their fusion technique if postoperative radiation is planned. CONCLUSION: Posterior reconstruction with at least two vertebral levels above and below is recommended. Cages should be used for single-level defects and structural bone graft alone, or in combination with a cage, should be used when spanning a defect greater than two vertebral bodies. Planned postoperative radiation may affect fusion strategy.