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Osteotomies – Vertebral Column Resection (VCR)
Osteotomies – Vertebral Column Resection (VCR)
Vertebral column osteotomy is used to correct spinal deformities. These deformities can occur in the coronal plane, such as scoliosis, or in the sagittal 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.
Dr. Papadopoulos has published on vertebral column resection, and all of his publications can be found on the Research page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vertebral Column Resection (VCR)
What is VCR spine surgery?
VCR stands for vertebral column resection, a type of spinal osteotomy used to correct deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis. It involves the complete removal of one or more vertebrae while the nerves and spinal cord are protected at the same time.
How is the operation performed?
The operation can be performed either through a single posterior incision over the spine or through an anterior transabdominal or transthoracic approach. The anterior approach, however, almost always needs to be combined with posterior spinal fusion. These procedures fall under the category of complex spine surgery.
What experience does Dr. Papadopoulos have with this surgery?
Like a small number of appropriately trained surgeons worldwide, Dr. Papadopoulos prefers to perform this surgery through a posterior approach. He has also published on vertebral column resection, and all of his publications can be found on the Research page.