Osteotomies – Vertebral Column Resection (VCR)

Vertebral column osteotomy is used to correct spinal deformities. These deformities can occur in the sagittal plane, such as scoliosis, or in the coronal plane, such as kyphosis. Vertebral column osteotomy involves the complete removal of one or more vertebrae while simultaneously protecting the nerves and spinal cord. This can be performed either through a single posterior incision over the spine or through an anterior transabdominal or transthoracic approach. The latter, however, almost always needs to be combined with posterior spinal fusion.

Dr. Papadopoulos, like a few other surgeons worldwide with the appropriate training, preferably performs the surgery using a posterior approach. The above procedures fall under the category of complex spine surgery.