This surgery is performed for various indications, which include
- Trauma – burst fracture of spine
- Infection
- Vertebral body tumours and metastases
This surgery is performed from anterior approach. There are vital structures encountered in the approach, which the surgeon needs to protect. The affected vertebra is identified and excised. The end plates of adjacent healthy vertebra are prepared and the defect is filled with a cage and bone grafts. Further stabilization is provided with anterior instrumentation with screws and rods. This is a major procedure and patient should discuss it in detail with the surgeon.