Lumbar Corpectomy

Medically reviewed by Kimberly B. Ashayeri, MD ·Last reviewed: January 2, 2026 ·4 min read

Fellowship-trained spine surgeons • 12 hospital affiliations across New Jersey

In short

Lumbar corpectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the body of one or more lumbar (lower back) vertebrae to decompress the spinal cord, conus, or cauda equina in conditions where the compression arises from within or behind the vertebral body such as burst fracture, spinal tumor, severe spondylosis, or retropulsed bone. The vertebral body is replaced with a structural cage or bone graft and stabilized with instrumented fusion.

Key takeaways

Lumbar corpectomy removes the entire vertebral body not just the disc to decompress the spinal cord or nerve roots when compression originates within or behind the vertebral body.
It is used for burst fractures, spinal tumors, severe spondylosis with retropulsed bone, vertebral infection, and other conditions where standard disc-level surgery is insufficient.
After the vertebral body is removed, the spine is reconstructed using a structural cage or bone graft and stabilized with instrumented fusion.
Both anterior (direct) and posterior (transpedicular) approaches may be used, depending on the location of the pathology, spinal alignment, and reconstructive goals.
Recovery is longer than after routine lumbar spine surgery because the procedure includes both decompression and reconstruction of the spinal column.

LUMBAR CORPECTOMY AT A GLANCE

Procedure type	Vertebral body removal with spinal canal decompression, reconstruction, and fusion
Approach	Anterior, lateral, posterior transpedicular, or combined approach depending on pathology
Anesthesia	General anesthesia
Typical surgery time	Approximately 3 to 5 hours, depending on the complexity of reconstruction
Hospital stay	Typically 3 to 5 nights; longer for complex reconstruction or trauma
Conditions treated	Burst fractures, spinal tumors, severe spondylosis with retropulsed bone, vertebral osteomyelitis/discitis
Reconstruction	Expandable cage or structural bone graft with instrumented fusion

Timing and stay vary by patient and complexity. Your surgeon will confirm what to expect in your case.

When is lumbar corpectomy needed?

Most lumbar surgery involves working at the disc level removing disc material or fusing vertebrae at the disc space. Lumbar corpectomy is reserved for situations where compression or instability involves the vertebral body itself:

Burst fracture — a high-energy fracture that shatters the vertebral body, driving bone fragments into the spinal canal. Common after falls from height or motor vehicle accidents.
Spinal tumors — primary bone tumors (e.g., giant cell tumor, chordoma) or metastatic disease involving the vertebral body, causing structural destruction and canal compromise.
Severe spondylosis with retropulsion — in some cases, advanced degenerative disease causes significant bone overgrowth behind the vertebral body that cannot be adequately removed through standard disc-level surgery.
Vertebral osteomyelitis or discitis — spinal infection that destroys the vertebral body, requiring debridement (removal of infected tissue) and reconstruction.

Reconstruction: cages, grafts, and fixation

Once the vertebral body has been removed, the spine must be reconstructed to restore height, alignment, and stability while the fusion heals.

Structural cage or bone graft

An expandable titanium cage filled with bone graft is most commonly placed between the adjacent vertebrae to replace the removed vertebral body. The cage is expanded to restore normal spinal height and alignment before being locked into position. In selected cases, a structural bone graft may be used instead.

Instrumented fusion

Pedicle screws and rods stabilize the spine while the bone graft heals and the vertebrae fuse together. Depending on the surgical approach and underlying condition, fixation may be placed from the back alone or combined with an anterior plate or cage for additional stability.

Combined anterior-posterior reconstruction

Some patients require both anterior and posterior surgery to achieve the safest and most durable reconstruction. Circumferential (360-degree) reconstruction provides the greatest mechanical stability and is often used for complex fractures, extensive tumor removal, or severe spinal instability.

Benefits and risks

Potential benefits

Complete decompression of the spinal canal when compression originates within or behind the vertebral body
Restores spinal height, alignment, and stability through structural reconstruction and fusion
Provides definitive treatment for selected spinal fractures, tumors, and infections
May improve neurological function, pain, and mobility by relieving pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots

Possible risks

Greater blood loss and longer operative time than standard lumbar spine surgery
Approach-related complications vary depending on the surgical route, including injury to nearby blood vessels, nerves, abdominal structures, or muscles
Cage or graft subsidence (settling) or hardware-related complications before fusion is complete
For tumor surgery, the risk of local recurrence depends on the tumor type and completeness of resection

Your surgeon will review the benefits and risks specific to your diagnosis during your consultation.

What recovery looks like

Recovery after lumbar corpectomy is longer than after routine lumbar spine surgery because the procedure involves both decompression and reconstruction of the spinal column. Walking begins early, but full recovery depends on bone healing, fusion, and the underlying condition being treated.

Days 1 to 5 Hospital stay of 3 to 5 nights is typical. A drain is common in the first 1 to 2 days. Walking with physical therapy assistance starts early.
Weeks 1 to 4 Return home with strict lifting and bending restrictions. A thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO brace) may be required for several months.
2 to 3 months Physical therapy for core strength and mobility. Gradual increase in activity as tolerated.
6 to 12 months Imaging confirms cage position and fusion. Many patients gradually return to unrestricted activities with surgeon clearance, depending on fusion and healing.

Frequently asked questions

How is lumbar corpectomy different from lumbar discectomy?

Lumbar discectomy removes herniated disc material between two vertebrae to relieve pressure on a nerve root. Lumbar corpectomy removes an entire vertebral body along with the adjacent discs to decompress the spinal canal and reconstruct the spine. Because it involves removal of a major structural component of the spine, corpectomy is a much larger operation and always requires reconstruction and instrumented fusion.

Will I need a brace after lumbar corpectomy?

Yes. A thoracolumbosacral orthosis (TLSO) brace is typically required for several months to protect the reconstruction while fusion heals. The duration depends on the number of levels reconstructed, the approach, and your bone quality.

Can lumbar corpectomy be done for metastatic spinal tumors?

Yes. Corpectomy is an important option for metastatic spinal disease causing structural instability or neurological compromise. For patients with limited life expectancy or poor surgical fitness, less extensive decompression or radiation-based approaches may be more appropriate. Your spine surgeon will coordinate with the oncology team to plan the most beneficial approach.

Will I need a spinal fusion after a lumbar corpectomy?

Yes. A lumbar corpectomy almost always includes spinal fusion. Because the procedure removes part or all of a vertebral body, the spine must be reconstructed with a structural cage or bone graft and stabilized with screws and rods. Over time, the bone heals into a solid fusion, restoring stability and helping protect the spinal cord and nerves.

This page is for general education and does not replace medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with a qualified neurosurgeon based on your individual diagnosis and imaging. To discuss your options, call Atlantic Brain and Spine Spine Care at 973.993.7770 or request a consultation.

Lumbar Corpectomy Specialists at Atlantic Brain and Spine

Your care is provided by Atlantic Brain and Spine's multidisciplinary spine team, including fellowship-trained neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons.