Spinal shortening, a case revisited 20 years later

Abstract

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of the bone is a benign lesion which can be cured by surgical resection. However, when this lesion affects a vertebra, it can produce severe neurological deficits due to compression of the spinal cord or cauda equina, especially if the lesion recurs after incomplete excision. In the present case, a 13-year-old female with GCT of the L6 was treated with total spondylectomy and spinal shortening, followed by simple internal fixation with no strut bone graft. After two years of follow-up, we reported her case (Lancet 1996), because it was a novel concept of surgical reconstruction of lumbar spine after total spondylectomy. This patient's case has been revisited 20 years later.