A corpectomy is a spine decompression surgery that removes part or all of the vertebral body to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots caused by compression, fractures, tumors, or infections.
What Is a Corpectomy?
A corpectomy removes the central portion of a vertebra and surrounding tissues to decompress the spinal canal. The goal is to create space for the spinal cord and nerves when structural damage or growths restrict the canal.
This surgery is used to treat severe Spine Conditions such as traumatic fractures, metastatic tumors, spinal stenosis, and vertebral infections.
Symptoms & Causes of Conditions Requiring Corpectomy
Symptoms:
- Severe neck or back pain
- Arm or leg weakness
- Numbness, tingling, or burning nerve pain
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Loss of bowel or bladder control (emergency indicator)
Causes of Spinal Cord Compression:
- Burst fractures collapsing the vertebral body
- Tumors compressing neural structures
- Infections such as osteomyelitis
- Disc herniations with severe canal narrowing
- Degenerative deformity causing mechanical instability
These conditions often appear on imaging reviewed as part of Diagnostics & Imaging.
How a Corpectomy Is Diagnosed and Planned
Diagnosis combines symptom progression, neurological exam findings, and imaging tests including MRI, CT, and X-ray. When instability or severe compression is identified, the surgical team determines the level of decompression and need for reconstruction.
How Corpectomy Surgery Works (Step-by-Step)
A corpectomy decompresses the spinal cord by removing the vertebral body and clearing the spinal canal.
Surgical Steps:
- Accessing the spine through an anterior or lateral approach
- Removing the damaged vertebral body
- Clearing bone fragments, tumor, or infected tissue
- Restoring spinal stability using a cage, spacer, or graft
- Stabilizing with plates, screws, or rods as needed
Corpectomy is usually combined with Neurosurgical Treatments such as spinal fusion for long-term support.
Recovery & Expected Outcomes
Most patients experience reduced nerve compression symptoms, improved stability, and better mobility after healing. Outcomes depend on the underlying condition, the number of vertebrae treated, and overall health.
Recovery may include:
- Hospital stay of several days
- Physical therapy
- Pain management through Pain Management Services
- Activity restrictions during bone healing
The MSBI team provides individualized follow-up to help patients safely return to activity.
Minnesota & Wisconsin Corpectomy Spine Surgeons
Midwest Spine & Brain Institute’s board-certified neurosurgeons perform advanced corpectomy procedures for complex spinal compression. We treat patients throughout the Twin Cities, Greater Minnesota, and western Wisconsin.
To schedule an evaluation, call 1-800-353-7720 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a corpectomy performed?
A corpectomy is performed when severe spinal cord compression cannot be relieved by less invasive decompression procedures.
What conditions usually require a corpectomy?
Common conditions include burst fractures, spinal tumors, infections, degenerative collapse, and severe stenosis.
Is a corpectomy the same as a discectomy?
No. A discectomy removes disc material, while a corpectomy removes the vertebral body itself when deeper decompression is needed.
How long is recovery after a corpectomy?
Recovery typically takes several weeks to months and includes therapy, restrictions, and follow-up imaging to ensure stability.
Is a corpectomy always combined with fusion?
Most corpectomies require fusion to maintain spinal stability after the vertebral body is removed.
When should I consider surgery for spinal compression?
Surgery is considered when symptoms worsen, neurological deficits appear, or imaging shows significant compression threatening spinal cord function.