Novel reconstruction of the anterior craniocervical junction using an expandable cage with integrated fixation after total C2 spondylectomy for chordoma

•Chordoma of the mobile spine is a formidable challenge for en bloc resection and subsequent cervical spine reconstruction.•While en bloc resection for chordoma offers best outcomes, local invasion may necessitate intralesional, piecemeal resection.•An expandable cage allows for minimization of the transoral exposure and its associated morbidities.

Chordoma is a locally aggressive malignant tumor that generally occurs in the clivus, mobile spine and sacrum. While en bloc resection with wide margins has been advocated as the only cure for chordomas, tumor characteristics and violation of critical anatomical boundaries may preclude pursuing this treatment option in the cervical spine. We present a C2 chordoma in a 35-year-old man with epidural and prevertebral extension that was treated with a single stage anterior–posterior total C2 spondylectomy with novel reconstruction using an expandable cage with integrated fixation followed by stereotactic radiosurgery. Single stage intralesional total C2 spondylectomy via anterior transoral and posterior approaches was performed. The anterior column was reconstructed using an expandable cage with integrated fixation from the clivus to C3. The patient maintained his intact neurological status at 6 month follow-up with full resumption of activities of daily living without any significant morbidity.