• Feifei Pu, Baichuan Wang, Jianxiang Liu, Fengxia Chen, and Zengwu Shao.
• Department of Orthopedics, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, People's Republic of China.
• Eur Spine J. 2017 May 1; 26 (Suppl 1): 95-99.

Study DesignCase report.PurposeWe present a rare case of a giant chordoma in the thoracolumbar spine and review the current literature. We describe its complicated clinical progression, hoping to shed light on the clinical management of this complex tumor.MethodsWe present a previously healthy 41-year-old man who experienced progressive low back pain at T10-L2 for the past 2 years. A giant tumor was detected on magnetic resonance imaging, and aspiration biopsy was used to obtain a definite pathological diagnosis. The postoperative pathology confirmed that it was a chordoma. He underwent complete resection of the tumor and internal fixation of the vertebral bodies, which is a good way to control recurrence and preserve stability.ResultsHistopathology confirmed the tumor was a chordoma via immunohistochemical study of both the biopsy sample and the surgically resected tissues. There has been no recurrence or metastasis at the 30-month postsurgery radiographic examination. The internal fixation has remained stable.ConclusionPrimary chordoma in the thoracolumbar spine is extremely rare. The treatment is difficult because the current literature is sparse and patients are rare. Complete resection and internal fixation are effective for reducing recurrences and metastasis.

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