title: Metastatic spinal cord compression--options for surgical treatment.
abstract: Fourty-three cases with metastatic spinal cord compression were reviewed post-operatively to clarify the usefulness of the procedures concerning restoration of neurological function, and pain relief. Only patients with pathological spinal instability and neurological sequelae were included. Posterior decompression and stabilization was performed in all but six patients. All but four patients (91%) reported decrease of pain symptoms. Amelioration of neurological function was achieved in 58%. Re-establishment of walking ability was obtained in 57%. Post-surgery life expectancy averaged 11 months. In patients with widespread metastatic disease and/or multi-level instability of the spine restriction to palliative dorsal procedures is sensible. Post-operative ancillary treatment is necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Mainz University Medical School, Federal Republic of Germany.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Rompe
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Eysel
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hopf
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Heine
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion / Q000295:instrumentation; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary* / Q000601:surgery; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed