Vertebral column resection for rigid spinal deformity

OBJECTIVE: Vertebral column resection (VCR) is a surgical technique that may be applied for correction of moderate to severe spinal deformities, including those with large rigid curves, fixed trunk translation, or asymmetry between the length of the convex and concave column of the deformity. This article reviews the VCR technique as it relates to correction of rigid spinal deformity, including case examples to illustrate its application. METHODS: The literature was reviewed in reference to the use of VCR for correction of rigid spinal deformity. RESULTS: VCR involves complete resection of one or more vertebral segments using either combined anterior and posterior approaches or a posterior-only approach and enables significant deformity correction in all three dimensions. Herein, we provide description of the indications, preoperative planning, surgical techniques, complication avoidance, postoperative management, and case examples for VCR. CONCLUSION: VCR enables significant correction of rigid spinal deformities in cases in which less aggressive approaches are not adequate.