Samartzis and colleagues describe a unique 1-stage

technique for total spondylectomy of a lumbar GCT with

short segment reconstruction. Although the results are

impressive, the short segment instrumentation with pedicle

reconstruction seems controversial. Because there is no

immediate anterior fixation, exactly what is the benefit

biomechanically of pedicle reconstruction both before and

after the arthrodesis of the anterior graft? The importance of

precise pedicle screw placement and the patient having good

bone quality is obvious.

Howard Morgan, MD

Department of Neurosurgery

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Dallas, TX 75390, USA

D. Samartzis et al. / Surgical Neurology 69 (2008) 138–142142