Reconstructive surgery in spinal tumours

Aims: This study reports 21 patients who underwent reconstructive surgery f or destructive spinal tumours. Materials and Methods: The mean age was 49 years (range: 39-71 years). Prim ary lesions were met in two cases. Secondary spinal tumours were diagnosed in 19 cases. Thirteen were breast carcinoma metastases (61.9%). The cervica l spine was involved in four cases, thoracic spine in six cases, and the lu mbar spine in II cases. One patient underwent decompression laminectomy and posterior pedicle screw stabilization. The others underwent tumour tissue excision, with spinal reconstruction with autogenous bone grafting, with or without vertebral body replacement prosthesis. Anterior and posterior stab ilization of the vertebral column was also used. Results: The objectives of surgery were achieved, in that early ambulation, easier nursing care, pain relief and neurological recovery were reported i n all cases. No surgery-related complications were encountered. Conclusions: We recommend surgical intervention for such lesions where reas onable longevity is anticipated. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.