[Complete resection of a vertebral body (author's transl)].

The resection of one or more vertebral bodies is technically difficult and quite demanding for the patient. In cases of solitary metastases to a vertebral body such a procedure may be considered when the general condition of the patient is satisfactory. To mobilise the patient quickly the stabilisation of the spine with bone cement and plates is mandatory. Three of four cases have been treated by two consecutive operations, one patient received a prefabricated ceramic implant. Mobilisation was maintained until four months after surgery. An analysis of previously published reports on complete vertebral body resection shows advantages and disadvantages of several methods.