Complications of Corpectomy Cage Movement in Cervical Spine Surgery

Primary Causes of Cage Movement

• Pseudarthrosis (nonunion) can occur between the corpectomy cage and adjacent vertebral bodies, with symptomatic pseudarthrosis occurring in approximately 10.9% of cases, according to the Journal of Neurosurgery guidelines 1
• Failure of solid fusion between the corpectomy cage and adjacent vertebral bodies can lead to persistent pain, neurological symptoms, and eventual hardware failure, as reported by the Journal of Neurosurgery 2

Risk Factors for Cage Movement

• Insufficient plate fixation or stabilization can contribute to cage movement, as noted by the Journal of Neurosurgery 2
• Excessive motion at the operated segments can increase the risk of cage movement, according to the Journal of Neurosurgery 1
• Inadequate anterior column support can also contribute to cage movement, as reported by the Journal of Neurosurgery 2

Management Options

• Anterior revision with plate stabilization can be an effective treatment for pseudarthrosis, with 83.3% good/excellent outcomes, as reported by the Journal of Neurosurgery 1
• Posterior approach revision can be a viable option for hardware failure, with a 94% fusion rate compared to 45% with anterior revision, according to the Journal of Neurosurgery 2