A Case Report of Reconstruction of Anterior Spinal Column Using LIFT Vertebral Body after Spondylectomy of Metastatic Lumbar Spinal Tumor Originated from Thyroid Cancer

Abstract

Some reports have indicated that prognoses in patients with a metastatic spinal tumor from a primary thyroid cancer (other than an undifferentiated type) are better than prognoses in those from other primary sites. However, it is often difficult to reconstruct the spinal column after en bloc spondylectomy. We report a case of surgical reconstruction after spondylectomy of a massive metastatic lumbar spinal tumor from thyroid cancer.
A 62-year-old man had lumbar pain and gait disturbance due to the tumor at the L4 level. We performed the operation used a pedicular screw system for reconstruction of the posterior spinal column followed by reconstruction of the anterior spinal column using LIFT Vertebral Body in July 2001.
The Japanese Orthopaedic Association back score (JOA score, full point is 29) was used to evaluate clinical symptoms. The JOA score improved from 17 points to 24 points at 16 months after surgery. The patient’s prognosis continues to be good. The LIFT Vertebral Body was useful for rigid reconstruction of the anterior spinal column and maintenance of good lumbar spinal alignment in this case.