Preliminary results of anterior decompression and stabilization for vertebral body metastasis

ABSTRACT

In this study, 25 cases of vertebral body metastases were treated, their age average was 54 years [range 41-69 years]. Nineteen cases had neurological deficits due to vertebral collapse. Six cases were neurologically free and had severe back pain due to vertebral collapse and instability not responding to the conservative treatment. The primary lesion could be detected in 19 cases. There were five cervical lesions, thirteen thoracic and seven lumbar lesions. All cases were treated by anterior decompression, reconstruction by bone cement in 22 cases and bone graft in 3. Anterior AO plate fixation was done for 19 cases. In the other six cases, transpedicular fixation had to be used in another stage. Three cases died within the first month after surgery. A marked pain relief occurred in 20 patents, neurological improvement by at least one Frankel grade occurred in 13 patients and the ambulatory status was improved from 40% of the patients preoperatively to 64% after surgery. The average survival time at the last follow up was 14.4 [0.25-39] months