BIOMECHANICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN SPINAL TUMOR SURGERY

The primary goal in spinal tumor surgery is the total or near-total resection of the tumor. Complete resection of the tumor is often not feasible owing to its proximity to critical neural and vascular struc-tures. However, advancements in surgical techniques and technological progress in surgical instrumen-tation have enabled better outcomes. The surgical approach to spinal tumors has undergone significant changes compared with previous years. In the past, the principle treatment approach for these patients were establishing a histopathological diagnosis via biopsy alone and performing decompression for pain and neurological deficits. Today, thanks to spinal biomechanical studies and technological ad-vancements in surgical materials, effective stabilization of the spine is achieved. As a result of these developments, total tumor resection through radical interventions has become possible, and spinal tumor surgery has become more widespread.One of the most crucial points to consider in spinal tu-mor surgery is reconstruction and stabilization following extensive resection of one or more spinal segments. Utilizing current resources and biomechanical studies, it is now possible to achieve stable reconstruction in almost all patients. The most significant benefit of spinal stabilization is early mobili-zation, particularly in patients with malignant tumors who have limited survival time owing to the na-ture of their disease. This early mobilization facilitates the recovery or improvement of motor function and quality of life parameters. Conversely, inadequate and inconsistent reconstructions must also be avoided.In this chapter, we will review the general biomechanical principles that should be considered in the surgical reconstruction of spinal tumors.