Anterior Vertebral Body Reconstruction with Polymethylmethacrylate and Kirschner Wires in Spinal Tumors

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to present the outcomes of patients who received a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)-impregnated chest tube reinforced with Kirschner wire(s) in the corpectomy site following surgical resection of spinal tumors.
METHODS: This retrospective single-center study included 22 patients who underwent anterior vertebral body reconstruction using a PMMA-impregnated chest tube reinforced with Kirschner wire(s) placed in the corpectomy site following surgical resection of spinal tumors. Demographic, clinical, radiological, surgical, and histopathological data were reviewed. Pain and functional status were assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) preoperatively and at postoperative month 1. Neurological outcomes and postoperative complications were recorded descriptively.
RESULTS: The mean age was 50.9 ± 16.4 years, and 54.5% of the patients were female. The thoracic spine was the most commonly involved region (54.5%), followed by the odontoid process (13.6%) and subaxial cervical spine (13.6%). The mean follow-up duration was 11.0 ± 3.6 months. The mean VAS score decreased significantly from 9.0 ± 1.3 preoperatively to 2.0 ± 1.0 postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean ODI score improved from 71.4 ± 8.1 to 21.2 ± 8.5 (p < 0.001). Neurological improvement was observed in 31.8% of patients, whereas 68.2% remained neurologically stable; no postoperative neurological deterioration occurred. Postoperative complications developed in 18.2% of patients, and no revision surgery was required.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Anterior vertebral body reconstruction using a PMMA-impregnated chest tube supported via Kirschner wires is a feasible technique that can be used in any vertebral level for spinal tumors that are located in vertebral body.