# Corpectomy

> Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Corpectomy
> Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Corpectomy.md
> Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corpectomy
> Source revision: 1243181274
> License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)

A **corpectomy** or **vertebrectomy** is a [surgical procedure](/source/Surgery) that involves removing all or part of the [vertebral body](/source/Vertebral_body) ([Latin](/source/Latin_language): *corpus vertebrae*, hence the name corpectomy), usually as a way to decompress the [spinal cord](/source/Spinal_cord) and nerves. Corpectomy is often performed in association with some form of [discectomy](/source/Discectomy).[1]

When the vertebral body has been removed, the surgeon performs a [vertebral fusion](/source/Vertebral_fusion). Because a space in the column remains from the surgery, it must be filled using a block of bone taken from the [pelvis](/source/Pelvis) or one of the leg bones or with a manufactured component such as a cage. This [bone graft](/source/Bone_graft) holds the remaining vertebrae apart. As it heals, the vertebrae grow together and [fuse](/source/Spinal_fusion).[1]

## References

1. ["Cervical Corpectomy"](http://umm.edu/programs/spine/health/guides/cervical-corpectomy). *UMM.edu*. University of Maryland Medical Center. 17 June 2013. Retrieved 13 February 2013.

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Corpectomy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corpectomy) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corpectomy?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.