Cervical corpectomy addresses pathology extending behind the vertebral body, such as large disc herniations, osteophytes, or tumours that compress the spinal cord from multiple levels. This procedure involves removing one or more vertebral bodies and adjacent discs to provide comprehensive decompression of the spinal cord. After decompression, an expandable cage restores height and alignment, while an anterior plate system provides immediate stability until fusion occurs.
The robotic approach to cervical corpectomy begins with precise preoperative planning to identify the extent of pathology and required decompression. After anterior exposure, similar to ACDF, the robotic system creates a detailed map of the cervical anatomy. The surgeon uses robotic guidance to define the exact margins of the corpectomy, ensuring complete removal of pathological tissue while preserving vital structures. After the corpectomy, the robotic system assists with endplate preparation and optimal sizing of the expandable cage. The cage is inserted and carefully expanded to restore appropriate height and alignment.
The robotic arm then guides precise plate placement and screw trajectories, ensuring secure fixation while avoiding critical structures. This accuracy is particularly valuable in corpectomy cases, which involve more extensive bone removal and greater risk to neural and vascular structures compared to simple discectomy.
