Medically reviewed by Dr. Scheid
What Is a Corpectomy?
A corpectomy is a sophisticated surgical procedure used to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It involves removing a portion or the entire affected vertebral body, as well as herniated or degenerative discs, as a means of adequate decompression. In an anterior cervical corpectomy, the surgery is performed from the front of the neck, allowing direct access to the cervical region, which is the uppermost part of the spine. A thoracic corpectomy is performed in the upper or middle back.
At NeuroSpine Plus, our surgeons perform this procedure to treat severe spinal conditions, providing relief and improving the spinal health of our patients throughout New Jersey. Unlike a discectomy, which focuses only on removing the affected disc material, an anterior cervical corpectomy is a more involved approach. It entails removing segments of the spine while addressing structural abnormalities. This surgery is typically reserved for cases where the spinal condition extends beyond what a discectomy can effectively treat.
What Conditions Are Treated With a Corpectomy?
A corpectomy is often performed as a means of adequate decompression of severe spinal stenosis.
A thoracic corpectomy or a cervical corpectomy can also treat:
- Herniated discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Radiculopathy
- Spinal cord injuries
- Myelopathy
- Bone spurs or osteophytes on your spine
- Spinal tumors
At NeuroSpine Plus, we prioritize the patient-centered approach. Our providers will address your every concern, prepare you for the appropriate treatment path, and work with you to relieve your pain.
How Is a Corpectomy Performed?
At NeuroSpine Plus, our team of trained neurosurgeons performs an advanced surgical technique to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord.
Before your surgery, your doctor will provide you with instructions, including but not limited to no eating or drinking after midnight the night prior to your procedure, stopping certain medications such as anti-inflammatories or blood thinners, and washing the surgical area with antibacterial soap the night before and the morning of your procedure.
Before the surgery, you will be given general anesthesia by a trained anesthesiologist. You will be completely asleep before the procedure begins. Once you are anesthetized, our team of trained neurosurgeons and physician assistants will perform the following procedure:
Incision is made: A horizontal incision around 1-2 inches will be made on either side of your neck. If several discs need to be removed, the incision may be vertical for easier access and removal. Once the incision has been made, your anterior neck muscles, ligaments, trachea, and esophagus will be gently moved to access the compromised disc.
Disc is excised: Using fluoroscopy, X-rays are taken to confirm the compromised disc space. With the use of a microscope, our surgeons then remove all compressive material, including portions of the vertebrae, intervertebral disc material, and/or osteophytes, ensuring safe decompression of the spinal cord and exiting nerve roots.
Replacement: A disc spacer packed with bone graft is inserted to replace the damaged disc.
Fusion: After the graft is placed, a small metal plate may be used to stabilize the area of your spine further. Complete fusion may take up to one year or more, depending on your condition.
Closure: The incision will be closed with multiple layers of dissolvable sutures and covered with a dry, sterile dressing.
You may spend at least one night in the hospital for observation following the procedure, depending on your surgical details, to provide sufficient pain control, monitor your vitals, and ensure a routine recovery period.
What to Expect Following a Corpectomy
Your postoperative healing progress will be closely overseen by our team of providers, ensuring a routine recovery. A member of our team will contact you within the first 48 hours of your procedure to monitor your progress. Your initial post-operative appointment will be scheduled within two weeks of your surgical date. A member of our team is always available to answer questions or address your concerns during your recovery period.
General postoperative recommendations include, but are not limited to, using postoperative pain medications as prescribed, taking over-the-counter Tylenol for pain, advancing your diet as tolerated based on your comfort with swallowing, avoiding straining your voice, avoiding excessive neck movement, wearing a cervical collar as instructed by your provider, not smoking, not drinking alcohol, attending all scheduled follow-up appointments, and following incision care instructions.
NeuroSpine Plus prioritizes your long-term recovery and will schedule a follow-up consultation approximately 2 weeks after your operation. During this visit, our surgeons will review your postoperative X-ray films to assess the progress of healing and placement of hardware.
At NeuroSpine Plus, we support an active recovery process and encourage patients to gradually increase their physical activity levels as comfort permits. Walking serves as an optimal form of exercise during the recovery phase while high-impact activities should be avoided.
When Should You Call Your Doctor Following a Corpectomy?
If you have concerns during your postoperative period to include, but not limited to, the following: high fever greater than 100.4F, change in urinary or bowel habits, swelling or discoloration of one or both calves, shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, lightheadedness, incisional compromise, or loss of strength in your arms or legs.
If you have a question regarding your initial postoperative period, a member of our team is always available to answer and address your concerns. Please contact us online or call (201) 399-3388.
Corpectomy FAQ
A corpectomy procedure typically takes between 2 and 4 hours to complete, though the exact duration depends on several factors, including the number of vertebral bodies being removed, the complexity of your condition, and whether fusion with instrumentation is required. Dr. Scheid will discuss the expected timeframe for your case during your pre-surgical consultation.
Most patients need to wear a cervical collar for 4-8 weeks after a cervical corpectomy, though this varies based on the number of levels treated, your bone quality, and how well the fusion is progressing.
Return to work timelines vary depending on your occupation and the physical demands of your job. For sedentary or desk jobs, typically 4-6 weeks after surgery is expected. For light physical work, usually 8-12 weeks. For heavy physical labor, at least 3-6 months is recommended. Dr. Scheid and our team will provide personalized guidance based on your recovery progress.
It’s possible but not guaranteed you will set off metal detectors after a corpectomy with hardware implantation. Modern spinal implants are typically made of titanium, which is less likely to trigger metal detectors than older stainless steel implants. However, the sensitivity of detectors varies. We can provide you with a medical implant card explaining your surgical hardware if needed for travel or security situations.
Success rates for corpectomy procedures are generally high, with approximately 85-90% of patients experiencing significant improvement in arm or leg pain and neurological symptoms. Dr. Scheid will discuss your individual prognosis based on your condition and medical history.
Some loss of flexibility at the fused segment(s) is expected after a corpectomy with fusion. However, the spine naturally compensates by increasing motion at adjacent levels. The extent of motion limitation depends on the number of vertebral levels fused, the location of the fusion (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar), and your pre-surgical mobility. Many patients report the improvement in pain and neurological symptoms far outweighs any reduction in flexibility. Physical therapy during recovery can help maximize your remaining range of motion.
Smoking significantly impacts recovery from corpectomy surgery in several negative ways. It reduces fusion rates by up to 40% compared to non-smokers, increases risk of surgical site infections, slows wound healing and bone regeneration, reduces effectiveness of pain management, and increases risk of hardware failure and pseudarthrosis (failed fusion). We strongly recommend quitting smoking at least 4-6 weeks before surgery and remaining smoke-free during your recovery period. Our team can provide resources and support to help you quit if needed.
To further enhance your recovery and increase mobility, NeuroSpine Plus providers may advise participating in post-operative physical therapy several weeks following the procedure.
All surgical procedures have an inherent level of risk associated with them. All risks and benefits associated with undergoing a corpectomy are discussed at length with our board-certified neurosurgeons prior to proceeding with your procedure.
It is possible to experience some changes in mobility and functionality following a corpectomy, particularly if the surgery was performed on multiple levels of the spine. However, with proper rehabilitation and physical therapy, most patients can regain their pre-surgery level of function over time.
Schedule Your Corpectomy Consultation at NeuroSpine Plus
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus focuses on minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across eight convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical experience in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice. If you believe you may be a candidate for a corpectomy, call our office today to book your consultation at (201) 399-3388 or contact us online.
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Medically Reviewed by Dr. Scheid & The Team at NeuroSpine Plus
Last updated: March 3, 2026The team at NeuroSpine Plus is led by Dr. Edward Scheid, a board-certified neurosurgeon with over 20 years of experience and 8,000+ successful surgeries. Along with his dedicated team of physician assistants and medical professionals, NeuroSpine Plus specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery and comprehensive spine care across six convenient locations in New Jersey. Our clinical expertise in treating complex spine conditions ensures all content is medically accurate and based on proven treatment approaches we use daily in our practice.