Total en bloc spondylectomy for solitary spinal metastases.

We have developed a technique for total en bloc spondylectomy through a posterior approach and now report our experience of 20 patients with a solitary or localised metastasis in the thoracic or lumbar vertebrae. There are two steps: an en bloc laminectomy, followed by en bloc resection of the vertebral body with an oncological wide margin and the insertion of a vertebral prosthesis. Pain was relieved in the 17 patients who could be assessed; 11 of the 15 patients with a neurological deficit were much improved, impending paralysis being prevented in 5 patients. There have been no local recurrences. Nine patients are at present alive with a mean follow up of 17.4 months.