L4 and L5 Spondylectomy for En Bloc Resection of Giant Cell Tumor and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Study Design Case report and review of the literature.

Objective We present the case of a two-level lumbar spondylectomy at L4 and L5 for en bloc resection of a giant cell tumor (GCT) and lumbopelvic reconstruction.

Methods A 58-year-old woman presented with a 7-month history of progressive intractable back and leg pain secondary to a biopsy-proven Enneking stage III GCT of the L4 and L5 vertebrae. The patient underwent a successful L4–L5 spondylectomy and lumbopelvic reconstruction using a combined posterior and anterior approach over two operative stages.

Results Postoperative complications included a deep wound infection and a cerebrospinal fluid leak; however, following surgical debridement and long-term antibiotic treatment, the patient was neurologically intact with minimal pain and there was no evidence of tumor recurrence or instrumentation failure at more than 2 years of follow-up.

Conclusion Spondylectomy that achieves en bloc resection is a viable and effective treatment option that can be curative for Enneking stage III GCTs involving the lower lumbar spine. The lumbosacral junction represents a challenging anatomic location for spinal reconstruction after spondylectomy with unique technical considerations.

Keywords

giant cell tumor - osteoclastoma - spondylectomy - lumbar spine - lumbopelvic reconstruction

Introduction

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are biologically unpredictable primary neoplasms of bone.[1] GCTs are reported to comprise only 5% of all primary bone tumors in adults and most commonly affect the appendicular skeleton.[1] [2] Only 2 to 4% of all GCTs afflict the mobile spine,[2] [3] [4] and those affecting the lower lumbar spine (LLS) represent a significantly smaller proportion of this population. Furthermore, in contrast to GCTs of the appendicular skeleton, GCTs of the mobile spine carry a significantly worse prognosis due to the delicate and complex neurologic structures that can be easily damaged by the aggressive osteolytic nature of these tumors. Recent evidence suggests that spondylectomy achieving en bloc resection of GCTs may promote disease-free survival relative to intralesional resections,[4] [5] especially for Enneking stage III GCTs of the mobile spine.[6]

Although many techniques for spondylectomy exist, the most important goal of this procedure in the oncologic setting should be en bloc resection of the tumor, which is defined as removal of the entire vertebra(e) with the tumor intact and encompassed by variable margins of disease-free tissue.[7] However, despite being potentially curative, complete spondylectomy of multiple levels of LLS for GCT is a complex and technically challenging procedure that requires multidisciplinary expertise and careful presurgical planning to limit potential morbidity to the patient.

In this report, we present the unique and challenging case of a 58-year-old woman who was found to have a primary isolated GCT involving the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies. In addition, we describe, in detail, the two-staged technique of a combined posterior and anterior approach to total L4–L5 spondylectomy as well as reconstruction of the lumbopelvic junction. Adjuvant therapy has not been necessary after more than 2 years of follow-up. We will also review the literature on the treatment of GCTs of the mobile spine.

Case Report

Clinical Presentation

A 58-year-old woman with a medical history significant for thyroid disease presented to her primary care provider with a 3-month history of constant back pain localized to the lower lumbar region. Despite some minor improvement in pain with conservative medical management, the patient developed severe left side predominant sciatica in an S1 distribution. She reported weakness with standing and ambulation but denied sensory, bowel, or bladder changes. T2-weighted MRI showed a low-signal lesion at L5 that extended across the L4–L5 disk space into the L4 vertebral body which intensely enhanced on T1-weighted postcontrast images ([Fig. 1A–D]). In addition, there was loss of vertebral column height at L5, mild retropulsion of the bone into the spinal canal, and bilateral narrowing of the L5 neuroforamina with neural impingement. Computer tomography (CT) disclosed a lytic vertebral lesion at L4 and L5 correlating with the MRI ([Fig. 2A, B]). The patient subsequently underwent a CT-guided biopsy of the lesion that demonstrated an Enneking stage III GCT of bone.

Fig. 1 Preoperative imaging. (A) T2-weighted sagittal MRI; (B) T1-weighted postcontrast sagittal MRI; (C) T2-weighted axial MRI; (D) T1-weighted postcontrast axial MRI. MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.

Fig. 2 Preoperative CT scan, coronal (A) and axial (B) views at L5. CT-guided biopsy disclosed giant cell tumor of bone. CT, computed tomography.

The patient was referred to our service for consideration of surgical management. Neurological examination revealed 5/5 strength in all muscle groups of the lower extremities. Sensation was intact to light touch.

Due to the unpredictable nature of GCT and its strong propensity for local recurrence, a spondylectomy that achieved en bloc resection of the tumor followed by lumbopelvic reconstruction was recommended to optimize the patient's chance of disease-free survival. Such a procedure would be executed in two stages.

Operative Procedure

Stage 1

The day prior to the first stage of the operation, the patient underwent bilateral transarterial embolization of the L4 and L5 radicular arteries using coils. A midline posterior approach was performed with bilateral exposure from L2–S2. Pedicle screw instrumentation (DePuy Expedium, Ryanham, Massachusetts, United States) was placed at L2, L3, and S1 bilaterally. S2 alar-iliac (S2AI) screws were also placed via the S2 pedicle approach on the right. A separate posterior superior iliac spine approach was required on the left after the S2AI approach could not be successfully performed.

L3 laminectomy and medial L3–L4 facetectomy were performed with a bone scalpel (Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany). Complete en bloc resection of the posterior elements of L4–L5 was complicated by a greater-than-predicted collapse of L5; therefore, after en bloc removal of the L4 and L5 lamina, a piecemeal decompression was performed for the bilateral resection of the L3–L4 and L4–L5 facet joints to protect the nerve roots.

The nerve roots of L3–L5 were carefully identified and dissected bilaterally beyond the pedicle to the level of the lumbar plexus to ensure complete mobilization. After bilateral removal of the pedicles at L4 and L5 followed by dissection and mobilization of the ventral aspect of the thecal sac, partial discectomies at L3–L4 and L5–S1 were performed to allow implantation of the Tomita saws for use during the anterior stage of the surgery.

Two 5.5-mm titanium rods were contoured to the lumbar lordosis and secured to the pedicle screws of L2–S1 and S2 on the right, and from L2–S1 on the left with an offset spacer bridging to the left iliac crest screw. A cross-link was placed at the L4–L5 level and then Songer cables were passed anteriorly along the L4 segment for eventual attachment to the cage of the anterior construct.

Stage 2

A retroperitoneal dissection was performed by a vascular surgeon for mobilization of the aorta, vena cava, and iliac vessels to achieve wide anterior exposure of the L3–S1 segments.

After mobilization of the vessels, dissection and exposure of the L4 and L5 vertebrae as well as the sacral promontory were performed. Then, the psoas muscle was dissected from the anterolateral aspects of L4 and L5. The Tomita saws, placed in the L3–L4 and L5–-S1 disk spaces during the first stage of the operation, were successfully identified and brought anteriorly to attach the handles. Carefully through direct visualization of the vasculature, the disk spaces at L3–L4 and L4–L5 were transected, allowing for the delivery of the L4–L5 vertebral segments en bloc ([Fig. 3A]).

Fig. 3 Intraoperative photographs demonstrating the anterior stage of the L4 and L5 en bloc spondylectomy. (A) Photograph obtained after L3–L4 and L5–S1 discectomy completion and en bloc resection of the L4 and L5 vertebral bodies. (B) Photograph acquired after the placement of a distractible titanium cage between the L3 vertebral body and the sacrum. (C) Photograph demonstrating placement of an anterior tension band plate.

Anterior lumbosacral reconstruction using a VLIFT titanium cage (Stryker, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States) was sized to span the L3–S1 gap. End caps were selected based on preoperative imaging ([Fig. 3B]). The two Songer cables were fastened to the cage and tightened to ensure anchoring to the posterior hardware construct. An intraoperative X-ray was obtained to confirm proper positioning of the cage. Anterior reconstruction of the spinal column was completed by installing an anterior tension band (ATB) plate (Synthes, West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States) that spanned 101 mm in length from L3 to S1 ([Fig. 3C]). A polytetrafluoroethylene graft (W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Elkton, Maryland, United States) was placed between the major vessels and the instrumentation for the theoretical benefit of preventing scarring and adhesions in addition to maintaining a dissection plane in case of revision surgery. There were no immediate complications from the procedure, and the patient remained neurologically intact.

Postoperative Course

Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of an Enneking stage III GCT, and the margins were found to be negative ([Fig. 4A–C]). The patient was discharged to rehab on hospital day 14. On postoperative day 16, dehiscence and serous drainage from the inferior aspect of the posterior wound was noted. Due to concern for a possible deep wound infection, the patient was taken back to the OR, and the wound was reopened, irrigated, and debrided. Operative cultures obtained later revealed a complicated deep wound infection with corynebacterium for which the patient was treated with an extended course of vancomycin and cefepime. Three days after the debridement surgery, the patient was found to have a cerebrospinal fluid leak, which was successfully treated with a temporary lumbar drain. At 28 months of follow-up, the patient was neurologically intact and ambulatory without any evidence of GCT recurrence or instrumentation failure ([Fig. 5A, B] ).

Fig. 4 Pathology. (A) Preoperative CT scan showing L4–L5 segments. (B) Photograph demonstrating the gross specimen of the L5–L4 vertebral body after en bloc resection. (C) Photomicrograph of the hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections demonstrating giant cells. CT, computed tomography. (Figs. 4B, C reprinted with permission from Martin C, McCarthy EF. Giant cell tumor of the sacrum and spine: series of 23 cases and a review of the literature. Iowa Orthop J 2010;30:69–75.)

Fig. 5 Postoperative imaging studies. (A) AP and (B) lateral plain radiographs obtained 2 years after the surgery revealing the spinal alignment, anterior reconstruction, and posterior stabilization. AP, anteroposterior.

Discussion

GCTs, also known as osteoclastomas, are histologically characterized by a hypercellular field consisting of multinucleated giant cells uniformly dispersed among a population of round to ovoid mononuclear cells—which are the cells thought to be neoplastic.[1] [2] [3] Although classically defined in the literature as benign primary neoplasms of bone, this term can be misleading because they are aggressively osteolytic in nature and can cause substantial local soft tissue destruction. Furthermore, although the tumor is devoid of malignant characteristics, they are known to metastasize to the lungs in up to 13.5% of cases involving the spine[8] and can occasionally undergo sarcomatous transformation[1] [3] [9] with an incidence as high as 2%.[3] The majority of morbidity experienced by patients with GCTs of the mobile spine results from the osteolytic destruction and structural compromise of substantial portions of the vertebra(e), which can lead to intractable back pain, neurological deficits, and disability.

The present work has evolved from two of our previously reported cases.[10] [11] In the first report, we described a patient with a GCT involving the L5 vertebral body. This patient underwent a combined posterior–anterior approach for en bloc resection of the tumor followed by lumbopelvic reconstruction that was accomplished posteriorly by pedicle and iliac screws and anteriorly by placement of a distractible titanium cage and ATB plate spanning L4–S1. The second report described a patient who presented with a chordoma of L4 that extended superiorly to L3 and inferiorly to L5. Similar to the first case, we utilized a combined posterior–anterior approach to achieve a three-level spondylectomy that resulted in en bloc resection of the patient's chordoma. Lumbopelvic reconstruction was achieved posteriorly by the placement of pedicle and iliac screws and anteriorly by placement of a distractible titanium cage. The cage was also wired to the posterior construct to prevent anterior displacement.

Because GCTs of the mobile spine are rare, there are only a few case series[4] [5] [6] and one systematic review[12] that address treatment outcomes. Furthermore, only a few groups have reported cases of spondylectomy for en bloc resection of any neoplasm involving the LLS,[11] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] and currently there are only three reported cases of spondylectomy for en bloc resection of any neoplasm involving two or more levels of the LLS.[5] [10] Despite their rarity, it is imperative that the spine surgeon know how to effectively treat GCTs of the spine. From an evidence-based perspective, there are no prospective randomized studies that evaluate various treatments; however, there is evidence in the literature that spondylectomy for en bloc resection is associated with the best prognosis of long-term, disease-free survival.[4] [11] [12] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] When GCTs of the mobile spine are resected in an en bloc fashion, the prognosis of disease-free survival has been reported to be as high as 92.3%.[25] Furthermore, and in stark contrast to en bloc resection, GCTs of the spine treated through intralesional surgeries are associated with disease-free survival rates of 72.2%.[25] Therefore, we believe that spondylectomy achieving en bloc resection with reconstruction is the superior treatment option for GCTs of the spine.

Adjuvant and alternative treatments to surgery for GCTs of the spine do exist. GCTs can be radiosensitive, and radiotherapy is associated with long-term, local control rates ranging from 60 to 84%[26]; however, lower rates are reported for tumors larger than 8.5 cm and for locally recurrent disease.[27] Using megavoltage radiation therapy for axial or inoperable GCTs remains controversial, although one study reported 85% of such tumors did not progress after megavoltage radiation with no malignant transformation during long-term follow-up.[28] Radiation therapy is often used for local recurrence and following incomplete excision; however, this supplementary treatment is not always successful and is associated with a long-term risk of developing radiation-induced sarcoma.[29]

Because GCTs of the mobile spine are characteristically vascular tumors, we strongly recommend preoperative arterial embolization of the segmental arteries corresponding to the anticipated level(s) of resection to reduce intraoperative blood loss. Arterial embolization has also been assessed as monotherapy for GCTs of the mobile spine. Hosalkar et al reported that therapeutic embolization was successful in seven of nine patients with sacral GCTs, without adjuvant radiation or surgical intervention, during 8 years of follow-up care.[30] On the other hand, two patients required radiation therapy with successful outcome in one and fatal pulmonary metastases in the other.[19] In addition, Lin et al demonstrated a 31% risk of recurrence at 10 years after treatment with therapeutic embolization.[31]

Chemotherapy is generally not considered a standard therapeutic approach for GCTs of the mobile spine. Interferon-α may be utilized for more aggressive disease but is associated with significant side effects.[32] [33] There are no randomized studies that demonstrate the efficacy of interferon on GCTs. In addition, several clinical reports suggest that bisphosphonates may yield symptomatic benefit and local disease control even for prolonged periods.[34] However, there are no reports of antitumor activity following preoperative treatment, and the role of bisphosphonates in a clinical setting remains unclear. Furthermore, Denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody against RANKL, has been shown to significantly reduce the number of giant cells upon histologic evaluation as well as halt radiographic progression of the lesion.[35] Denosumab is approved only for treatment of osteoporosis in the United States, and a global clinical trial protocol is available to assess its efficacy on advanced or selected resectable GCTs.[36] Its use as adjuvant therapy is currently under investigation, and whether it can be used to decrease local tumor recurrence is unknown at this time.

In addition to obtaining wide or marginal resection of a tumor, the goal of spondylectomy is to preserve as much neurological function as possible and reconstruct the spine to achieve axial stability and mechanical function.[10] Reconstruction of the lumbosacral junction after a two-level spondylectomy of L4–L5 is immensely challenging because this region plays a foundational role in transmitting compressive, sheer, torsional, and bending forces to the pelvis.[10] In this patient, we used a distractible titanium cage as the primary weight-bearing structure.

Preoperative imaging allowed us to measure the angulation required by the rostral and caudal caps of the cage. Preoperative selection of the proper caps allows one to optimally position the cage about a sagittal axis of rotation, which, in conjunction with the posterior construct rods, aids in preserving the lordosis of lumbar spine. From a biomechanical perspective, maintaining the lordosis of the lumbar spine is crucial in preserving the long-term function of the spine as a whole. To prevent forward displacement of the cage, an ATB plate and wires anchored to the rods of the posterior instrumentation were used in this patient. At this time, there is no literature specifically addressing the longevity of such a construct.

Performing spondylectomy involving one or more vertebral levels to resect spinal neoplasms in an en bloc fashion is technically challenging especially in the LLS. The potential morbidity associated with spondylectomies for en bloc resection of tumors is well documented. In the largest and most recent retrospective observational study, Boriani et al reported that 35.1% of patients who underwent spondylectomy with en bloc resection of tumor experienced at least one complication.[25] This study also reported that the rate of complications in patients who had prior treatment of their tumors was 45.7%, while the rate of complications in patients undergoing first-time treatment was 31.3%. In addition to the higher rate of complications in the repeat-treatment group, this study also reported that complication rates were higher with resection of two or more vertebral levels. Despite the risks, multilevel resections are necessary if the tumor has invaded adjacent levels, and en bloc resection is desired. Finally, Borani et al reported a lower rate of complications associated with a posterior-only approach to spondylectomy; however, such an approach can be performed only in certain situations[31] [37] and is not feasible in patients who require en bloc resection of tumors involving the lumbar spine.[5] [10] [11] [38] [39] [40] A combined posterior and anterior surgical approach to spondylectomy in the lumbar spine is usually the preferred procedure.[5] [38] [39] [40] [41] We also advocate this approach in the LLS because of optimal visualization of vital anatomic structures near the vertebral bodies and a far greater likelihood of preserving the lumbosacral nerve roots as they exit the spinal column anteriorly.

Conclusion

Spondylectomy that achieves en bloc resection followed by lumbosacral reconstruction is a feasible and effective treatment option that can be curative for primary GCTs involving multiple levels of the LLS. Multilevel spondylectomy at the lumbosacral junction that achieves disease-free margins is a complex and technically challenging procedure that requires a multidisciplinary team and careful preoperative consideration of the patient's medical comorbidities.

Commentary on: “L4 and L5 Spondylectomy for En Bloc Resection of Giant Cell Tumor and Review of the Literature”

Disclosures

David R. Santiago-Dieppa, none
Lee S. Hwang, none
Ali Bydon, none
Ziya L. Gokaslan, none
Edward F. McCarthy, none
Timothy F. Witham, none

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