title: Anterior column reconstruction with PMMA: an effective long-term alternative in spinal oncologic surgery.
abstract: A number of anterior reconstruction options are available in patients managed for symptomatic metastatic spinal column disease. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been traditionally used as a reconstruction option in patients with limited life expectancy as an anterior fusion is not expected. In this article, we present the outcome of a 13-year follow-up of a long anterior reconstruction using PMMA of the upper thoracic spine in a myelopathic female secondary to a compressive breast metastasis affecting the upper 4 thoracic vertebrae. We discuss the use of PMMA in spinal oncological surgery and review the evidence pertinent to its use.
authors.affiliation: The Combined Neurosurgical and Orthopaedic Spine Program, Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada. kmsalem@gmail.com.|Blusson Spinal Cord Center, 6th Floor, 818 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada. kmsalem@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Khalid M I
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Salem
authors.affiliation: The Combined Neurosurgical and Orthopaedic Spine Program, Department of Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver Spine Surgery Institute, Vancouver General Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.|Blusson Spinal Cord Center, 6th Floor, 818 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
authors.forename: Charles G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Fisher
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D013125:Spinal Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery; D013904:Thoracic Vertebrae / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D019904:Polymethyl Methacrylate
keywords: Anterior column reconstruction; PMMA; Polymethylmethacrylate; Spinal oncology