commentary
TRANSCRIPT
Samartzis and colleagues describe a unique 1-stage
technique for total spondylectomy of a lumbar GCT with
short segment reconstruction. Although the results are
impressive, the short segment instrumentation with pedicle
reconstruction seems controversial. Because there is no
immediate anterior fixation, exactly what is the benefit
biomechanically of pedicle reconstruction both before and
after the arthrodesis of the anterior graft? The importance of
precise pedicle screw placement and the patient having good
bone quality is obvious.
Howard Morgan, MD
Department of Neurosurgery
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, TX 75390, USA
D. Samartzis et al. / Surgical Neurology 69 (2008) 138–142142