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Cervical spineMinimally invasive surgery

Cervical corpectomy (removal of one or more vertebral bodies)

Cervical corpectomy (removal of one or more vertebral bodies) is considered for patients with severe neck pain, stiffness and arm symptoms, sometimes with spinal cord involvement causing gait instability. When medication, physiotherapy or injections are no longer enough and imaging shows significant compression, this surgery allows wide decompression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. It involves removing part or all of one or several vertebral bodies with adjacent discs, then placing a cage or graft and a plate with screws to stabilise the spine. Indication is personalised, based on clinical history, neurological exam and imaging, with clear discussion of expected benefits, recovery and risks before deciding.

Spine neurosurgeon in Alicante and Benidorm
More than 20 years of experience in Neurosurgery (since 2003)
Vithas Medimar Hospital Alicante and Hospital Clínica Benidorm
Medical illustration of cervical corpectomy to decompress the spinal cord.

What is cervical corpectomy (removal of one or more vertebral bodies)?

A cervical corpectomy (removal of one or more vertebral bodies) is a surgical procedure in which part or all of one or several cervical vertebral bodies, together with the adjacent discs, are removed to achieve wide decompression of the spinal cord and nerve roots. After bone removal, a cage or structural graft and a plate with screws are placed to stabilise the spine. The procedure acts directly on the front of the cervical spine (vertebral bodies, intervertebral discs and spinal canal). The goal is to create more space for the spinal cord and nerve roots when there is severe compression due to large disc herniations, bone spurs, fractures or deformities. Compared with more limited techniques such as simple discectomy or some posterior decompressions, cervical corpectomy (removal of one or more vertebral bodies) allows a broader decompression of the cervical canal and is usually combined with a solid fusion and stabilisation of the treated segment.

Symptoms and warning signs

Patients who may benefit from a cervical corpectomy (removal of one or more vertebral bodies) often present progressive or intense symptoms related to spinal cord or cervical nerve root compression. Recognising these signs early is important:

Persistent neck pain, sometimes radiating into the shoulders and arms
Tingling, numbness or “electric shock” sensations in the arms and hands
Weakness or clumsiness in the hands, difficulty holding objects or performing fine movements
Unsteadiness when walking, feeling as if “walking on clouds” or having an insecure gait
Red flags: sudden loss of strength, falls, marked gait difficulty, bowel or bladder changes or rapid worsening of symptoms

When is this procedure indicated?

Persistent neck pain and neurological symptoms despite adequate conservative treatment (medication, physiotherapy, posture measures, injections)
MRI or CT findings showing severe cervical stenosis, vertebral collapse, large disc herniations or bone spurs clearly compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots
Neurological progression: worsening weakness, increasing clumsiness, gait disturbance or signs of cervical myelopathy
Disabling pain and functional limitation that significantly affect quality of life, sleep and work performance
Situations where decompression through simple discectomy would be insufficient and a wider vertebral bone resection is required

How is the procedure performed?

1.Preoperative preparation

Before cervical corpectomy (removal of one or more vertebral bodies), a full clinical assessment is carried out, including medical history, detailed neurological examination and review of imaging. Treatment options, reasons for recommending this surgery, and expected risks and benefits are discussed with the patient. Fasting instructions are given, medication is reviewed and adjusted (especially blood thinners), and hospital admission is planned. Once questions are answered, informed consent is signed.

2.During the procedure

Surgery is performed under general anaesthesia through an anterior approach to the neck. The surgeon gently moves neighbouring structures aside to reach the cervical spine. The affected disc and vertebral body or bodies are removed, freeing the spinal canal and compressed nerve roots. A structural device (such as an interbody cage or bone graft) is then placed to fill the bone defect, and a plate with screws is fixed to the healthy vertebrae above and below to provide stability and promote fusion. Intraoperative imaging is used to confirm correct implant positioning.

3.Immediate postoperative period

After surgery, the patient spends a few hours in the recovery room, where awakening from anaesthesia, breathing and pain control are monitored. Afterwards, the patient returns to the ward, where progressive mobilisation usually starts the next day. Strength, sensation, balance and neck/arm pain are closely monitored. Hospital stay is commonly 2–3 days, but it may vary depending on case complexity and individual recovery.

Recovery and daily life

In the first days after cervical corpectomy (removal of one or more vertebral bodies), it is normal to experience neck pain, tightness and general fatigue. Basic mobilisation (getting out of bed, walking short distances, going to the bathroom) usually begins early, following the medical team’s instructions. Returning to office-based work is often considered between 4 and 6 weeks, if recovery is favourable. For jobs involving physical effort, lifting, prolonged driving or forced neck postures, the recovery time is usually longer, often 8–12 weeks or more, depending on the case. Guided physiotherapy, proper posture, progressive strengthening of neck and back muscles and healthy lifestyle habits (weight control, avoiding smoking) are key to good outcomes. If alarm signs such as fever, intense uncontrolled pain, new neurological deficits or severe gait problems appear, it is important to contact the specialist promptly.

Risks and possible complications

As with any spine surgery, cervical corpectomy (removal of one or more vertebral bodies) carries risks, although most patients recover without serious complications. Knowing them helps you weigh the decision more calmly. General risks include anaesthesia-related problems, wound infection, bleeding, haematoma formation and venous thrombosis. Specific risks of this procedure may include nerve root or spinal cord injury, temporary swallowing difficulties, hoarseness due to irritation of the laryngeal nerve, injury to nearby structures (trachea, oesophagus, vessels), loosening or breakage of the implants, lack of bone fusion (pseudarthrosis) and accelerated degeneration of adjacent levels. Although these complications are not common, they must always be considered alongside the potential benefit of relieving spinal cord and nerve root compression. The final decision is made individually, after clear discussion between patient and spine surgeon.

Frequently asked questions

Surgery usually lasts between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the number of levels to be treated and case complexity. Additional time is needed for preparation in the operating room and for waking up in the recovery area. Your surgeon will give you a personalised estimate based on your specific situation.
You will not feel pain during surgery because it is performed under general anaesthesia. Neck discomfort and incision pain are expected in the first days, but these are usually well controlled with pain medication. Arm pain often improves progressively, although nerves sometimes need time to recover from the previous compression.
If you have an office-based or low-physical-demand job, returning to work is usually considered between 4 and 6 weeks, depending on your progress and how you feel. For physically demanding jobs involving lifting or repetitive neck movements, recovery time is often 8–12 weeks or longer. The final decision is always made during follow-up visits and adapted to each patient.
Gentle activities such as walking are encouraged early, gradually increasing time and distance. High-impact sports, contact sports or activities demanding intense neck movement are reintroduced step by step, commonly from around 3 months onwards, depending on bone healing and your surgeon’s and physiotherapist’s recommendations. Following a structured return-to-sport plan helps minimise risks.
The treated segment is decompressed and stabilised, so recurrence at exactly the same point is unlikely. However, other levels of the cervical spine may degenerate over time. Some patients may also have residual pain due to previous nerve damage or other cervical issues. Long-term spine care and healthy habits are very important for maintaining good results.
A cervical discectomy usually focuses on removing a single disc to decompress a nerve root, while cervical corpectomy (removal of one or more vertebral bodies) involves resecting one or more vertebral bodies and allows broader decompression of the spinal canal. It is therefore reserved for more extensive or severe stenosis, but it also implies a larger procedure and a longer recovery period.
Not always. In some cases, other techniques such as posterior or combined decompressions may be considered. The choice depends on the pattern of compression, the number of levels involved, spinal alignment and patient characteristics. Your spine surgeon will discuss the different options with you and explain why a particular technique is recommended.

Do these symptoms sound familiar?

If you recognise yourself in some of these symptoms and your pain is starting to limit your daily life, we can review your case in a personalised consultation. Dr. Ben Ghezala will assess your clinical history and imaging studies to help you decide the best treatment option for you.

Request a consultation with Dr. Ben Ghezala