Corpectomy

Orthopedics | About spine surgery | Diagnosis | Treatment | Recovery and rehabilitation

A corpectomy is done to take pressure off the spinal cord caused by: 

• Spinal stenosis (when the spine tightens and presses on the spinal cord, causing pain)
• Cervical myelopathy (when the bones in the neck wear down)

With a corpectomy, a large part of the vertebrae and discs between them must be removed. That space is usually filled with a bone graft and supports to keep the graft in place. 

After surgery, you will likely need to wear a halo jacket. This keeps your movement steady and helps you heal. 

We always try to find the least invasive treatment plan possible — one that requires no surgery or the simplest surgery possible. Our spine surgeon, Sean Keem, MD, is an expert in handling even the most challenging cases.