METASTASES TO THE UPPER CERVICAL-SPINE

A retrospective study of 13 patients with metastases to the upper cerv ical spine was designed to examine the clinical efficacy of surgical t reatment. All patients had severe neck pain and two had quadriplegia. Eleven patients underwent operative posterior stabilization, and two p atients were treated with a brace and radiotherapy. Pain relief after surgery was significant so that 10 of the 11 patients could leave bed and resume their normal activities. The other two patients who were tr eated nonoperatively had severe dementia and sudden death from a respi ratory arrest after a fall, despite temporary relief from pain. Surger y may be very successful in improving the quality of life of patients who have pain and/or paralysis caused by metastases to the upper cervi cal spine.