Evaluation of replantation of spinous process and lamina and autogenous bone fusion after resection of intraspinal tumors

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the replantation of lamina and spinous process and autogenous bone fusion after resection of intraspinal tumors. Methods Twenty-two cases of intraspinal canal tumors, including 5 cervical, 5 thoracic and 12 lumbar, were operated through posterior median approach with removing 2-3 segments of spinous process and lamina complex in the lesion area. During operation, the spinous process and lamina complex was replanted in situ after the intraspinal tumor was removed, and was fixed by titanium bar and titanium screw, along with autogenous bone fusion to restore the normal anatomy of spinal canal. Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scale was used to evaluate the spinal function before and after operation. Results Tumors were totally removed in all of the cases, and 2-3 (2.50 on average) laminae were removed in each case. After 3-17 months (10 months on average) follow-up, imaging findings showed good reposition of replanted lamina and spinous process with partly bony fusion in all cases. No syndromes of spinal stenosis or compression on spinal dura mater owing to canal cicatrix were seen. Conclusion Replantation of lamina and spinous process and autogenous bone fusion can keep the anatomic integrality of the spine, reconstruct the spinal canal structure, maintain the spinal stability and avoid nerve root compression due to spinal canal scar. doi：10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2013.12.006 Video: http://www.cjcnn.org/index.php/cjcnn/pages/view/v13n12a6