A Survival Analysis of Surgically Treated Metastatic Spine Tumors

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess the survival and prognostic factors of surgically treated metastatic spine tumors. METHODS: A retrospective review of 68 patients who underwent the surgical treatment of metastatic spine tumors from 1988 to 2001 was conducted. The survival of each patient was confirmed on Feb 2002. The survival rates were calculated and several variables were examined for prognostic factors. RESULTS: Postoperative mean survival time was 21.1 months. Three month and 2 year cumulative survival was 70.3% and 21.4%, respectively. The patients who survived less than 3 months after operation were 23(33.8%). The significant prognostic factors were the category of primary tumors, postoperative ambulation, preoperative functional status, and the interval between initial diagnosis and spine metastasis. CONCLUSION: The postoperative survival was related with the biologic behavior of primary tumor and general physical condition. High mortality rate in postoperative three months suggests that more sophisticated selection criterion is needed.