En Bloc Spondylectomy (EBS): Surgical removal of an entire vertebral segment (vertebral body, pedicles, and posterior elements) in one piece. The primary goal is to achieve oncologic margins in spinal tumors.
Posterior Vertebral Column Resection (pVCR): Removal of one or more vertebral segments through a posterior-only approach, typically in a piecemeal fashion, to correct severe spinal deformities.
| Feature | En Bloc Spondylectomy | Posterior Vertebral Column Resection |
|---|---|---|
| Main Goal | Oncologic resection with margins | Correction of severe deformity |
| Type of Resection | One-piece (en bloc) | Fragmented (piecemeal) |
| Indications | Primary or metastatic spinal tumors | Congenital kyphosis, post-traumatic deformity, scoliosis |
| Surgical Approach | Anterior, posterior, or combined (360ยบ) | Posterior-only |
| Oncologic Application | Yes | No |
| Deformity Correction | Limited | Primary goal |
Although both involve vertebral resection, they are not equivalent. Each serves a distinct purpose with different surgical techniques and goals.