title: Four-level spinal decompression for metastatic breast carcinoma. A case report.
abstract: A case of successful four-level anterior decompression for paraplegia due to metastatic breast carcinoma is reported. Posterior instrumentation carried out shortly afterwards provided sufficient additional stability for the patient to stand and walk. It is suggested that this form of aggressive management may provide excellent palliation in certain cases of extensive metastatic neoplastic disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, University of Natal, Durban.
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Brunner
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Spencer
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Posel
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Hedden
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000601:surgery; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D013131:Spine / Q000601:surgery*; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery