Comparation of tumor-free margin or intralesional spondylectomy for chondrosarcoma in mobile spine: a retrospective study of surgery management, complications and prognosis.

Abstract

Study design: Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objectives: Chondrosarcoma of mobile spine is a rare aggressive malignant tumor and postsurgical local recurrence rates remain high. En bloc resection is currently the preferred treatment. Resection that achieves tumor-free margin removal of the tumor may enable more complete removal of tumor tissue but significantly increases the complexity and risk of surgery and results in more postoperative complications. We sought to compare surgical outcomes, complications, and prognoses between patients who underwent en bloc resection with and without intralesional removal of the tumor.

Methods: We reviewed 56 patients with spinal chondrosarcoma who underwent en bloc tumor resection and reconstructive surgery at our center between 2000 and 2024 with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 1 year. We collected and analyzed data regarding surgical procedures, complication characteristics, and local tumor control and recurrence.

Results: We included 56 patients. Of these, 36 patients underwent the first surgery, and 20 experienced recurrences. All patients underwent en bloc tumor resection; 36 and 20 underwent intralesional and tumor-free margin resections, respectively. We recorded 83 complications; the incidence and the number of major complications were significantly higher in the tumor-free margin surgery group. Thirty patients experienced tumor recurrence and 26 patients died. Tumor-free margin en bloc resection and conventional-type chondrosarcoma were predictive factors for reduced long-term postoperative recurrence and mortality risk.

Conclusions: Tumor-free margin resection carries higher risks and is associated with a greater number of perioperative complications, but reduces the risk of local tumor recurrence and prolongs recurrence-free survival and overall survival, providing patients with better prognoses.