Cervical chordoma managed with multidisciplinary surgical approach

Background: This paper describes the interdisciplinary management of a 62-year-old man who presented with a cervical chordoma of C2/3. This is a rare neoplasm of the axial skeleton which is usually treated surgically. This is technically challenging due to the surrounding anatomy and requirement for wide exposure. A number of surgical approaches have been described to access the clivus and upper cervical spine. Methods: This case involved both the Orthopaedic and Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery departments. Trotter's surgical technique was used to gain access for excision of the cervical chordoma and there was collaboration with an Orthopaedic Biotechnology Company in which a bio-model of the spine was created and a corpectomy cage specific to the patient developed. Results: This approach allowed excellent visualisation of the tumour and the unique cage and plate achieved immediate stability and long term fusion. Conclusion: An interdisciplinary approach should be used in the management of upper cervical chordomas to facilitate tumour resection and reduce the potential for recurrence.