Margin-free, en bloc resection of a multilevel cervical chordoma with C-2 involvement: case report with 2-year follow-up and description of operative technique

Abstract

The purpose of this technical/case report is to demonstrate that the appropriate oncological principle of margin-free, tumour en bloc removal can be successfully achieved in a large multilevel chordoma with C-2 involvement, with limited morbidity. Although technically challenging, such an approach offers the patient's best chance for cure.

Keywords::

• chordoma
• cervical spine
• en bloc resection
• spondylectomy
• axis
• vertebral artery

Declaration of conflicts of interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.