Concomitant KIAA1549-BRAF fusion and IDH mutation in Pediatric spinal cord astrocytoma: a case report and literature review.

Primary tumors of the spinal cord are rare, accounting for 3-6% of tumors in the central nervous system, particularly in children. KIAA1549-BRAF fusion is more common in pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) and IDH1 R132H mutation is rare in infratentorial tumors. Here, we report a 10-year-old male patient who presented with weakness in lower limbs that progressed to difficulty walking. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an intramedullary solid-cystic lesion from the medulla oblongata to the thoracic spin 4 level, with the expansion of the spinal cord. The lesion exhibited patchy enhancement at C4-T1, indicating a tentative diagnosis of astrocytoma. The patient underwent resection of the lesion in the spinal canal from the cervical 6 level to the thoracic 2 level. Histopathology confirmed diagnosis of astrocytoma, WHO grade 2. Genetic analysis showed both IDH1 R132H mutation and KIAA1549-BRAF fusion. Therefore, our integrated diagnosis was astrocytoma, IDH mutation, WHO grade 2. Its molecular analyses include IDH1 R132H mutation and KIAA1549-BRAF fusion. After the operation, the patient did not receive chemo- or radiotherapy, and underwent an aggressive rehabilitation regiment. Follow up 10 months later, symptoms improved. To our best knowledge, this is the first case of concomitant IDH mutation and BRAF fusion in pediatric spinal cord astrocytoma.

Cancer Rehabilitation:: Acute and Chronic Issues, Nerve Injury, Radiation Sequelae, Surgical and Chemo-Related, Part 2.

Cancer affects millions of individuals, and approximately half will develop functional impairments. Cancers that commonly, either from direct effects or from its treatments, result in functional impairments include breast, head and neck, brain, and spinal cord tumors. There is a plethora of potential impairments including pain, spasticity, dystonia, weakness, and neurogenic bowel or bladder. This article reviews the functional impairments frequently encountered in breast, head and neck, brain, and spinal cord tumors. The authors also discuss management and treatment options incorporated in comprehensive cancer rehabilitation to address these impairments to maximize and maintain function and quality of life.

Variables affecting functional improvement in chordoma patients admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility: A retrospective review.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review of patients after surgical resection of chordoma admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the characteristics associated with improving two or more functional levels and therefore classifying as a substantial responder after an inpatient rehabilitation facility stay in post-resection chordoma patients. SETTING: Acute inpatient rehabilitation facility in the United States. METHODS: A total of 40 patients were admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility from 2010-2015 after chordoma resection. Demographics, tumor management information, lengths of stay and functional independence measures on admission and discharge were collected. Substantial responders were identified as individuals who improved two or more functional levels based on total FIM score change. Logistic regression was used to analyze the available data for association of quantitative and categorical variables with being a substantial responder. RESULTS: The categorical variables analyzed in this study (sex, readmission to an acute hospital, Charlson Comorbidity Index, tumor level, nerve sacrifice, recurrent tumor and metatases) were not associated with being a substantial responder. The quantitative variables age and length of stay at the inpatient rehabilitation facility were individually associated with being a substantial responder, while length of stay at the acute hospital was not. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who were younger were more likely to be classified as substantial responders. Patients with longer lengths of stay at the inpatient rehabilitation facility were also more likely to be classified as substantial responders.

Malignant Spinal Cord Compression: Adapting Conventional Rehabilitation Approaches.

Spinal tumors are classically grouped into 3 categories: extradural, intradural extramedullary, and intradural intramedullary. Spinal tumors may cause spinal cord compression and vascular compromise resulting in pain or neurologic compromise. They may also alter the architecture of the spinal column, resulting in spinal instability. Oncologic management of spinal tumors varies according to the stability of the spine, neurologic status, and presence of pain. Treatment options include surgical intervention, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormonal manipulation. When combined with this management, rehabilitation can serve to relieve symptoms, improve quality of life, enhance functional independence, and prevent further complications in patients.

Assessment of outcome in patients undergoing surgery for intradural spinal tumor using the multidimensional patient-rated Core Outcome Measures Index and the modified McCormick Scale.

OBJECT The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome in patients undergoing surgical treatment for intradural spinal tumor using a patient-oriented, self-rated, outcome instrument and a physician-based disease-specific instrument. METHODS Prospectively collected data from 63 patients with intradural spinal tumor were analyzed in relation to scores on the multidimensional patient-rated Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) and the physician-rated modified McCormick Scale, before and at 3 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between the scores on the modified McCormick Scale preoperatively and at the 3-month follow-up, though there was a trend for improvement (p = 0.073); however, comparisons between the scores determined preoperatively and at the 12-month follow-up, as well as 3- versus 12-month follow-ups, showed a statistically significant improvement in each case (p < 0.004). The COMI scores for axial pain, peripheral pain, and back-related function showed a significant reduction (p < 0.001) from before surgery to 3 months after surgery, and thereafter showed no further change (p > 0.05) up to 12 months postoperatively. In contrast, the overall COMI score, "worst pain," quality of life, and social disability not only showed a significant reduction from before surgery to 3 months after surgery (p < 0.001), but also a further significant reduction up to 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). The scores for work disability showed no significant improvement from before surgery to the 3-month follow-up (p > 0.05), but did show a significant improvement (p = 0.011) from 3 months to 12 months after surgery. At the 3- and 12-month follow-ups, 85.2% and 83.9% of patients, respectively, declared that the surgical procedure had helped/helped a lot; 95.1% and 95.2%, respectively, declared that they were satisfied/very satisfied with their care. CONCLUSIONS COMI is a feasible tool to use in the evaluation of baseline symptoms and outcome in patients undergoing surgery for intradural spinal tumor. COMI was able to detect changes in outcome at 3 months after surgery (before changes were apparent on the modified McCormick Scale) and on later postoperative follow-up. The COMI subdomains are valuable for monitoring the patient's reintegration into society and the work environment. The addition of an item that specifically covers neurological deficits may further increase the value of COMI in patients with spinal tumors.

Association of risk factors with unfavorable outcomes after resection of adult benign intradural spine tumors and the effect of hospital volume on outcomes: an analysis of 18, 297 patients across 774 US hospitals using the National Inpatient Sample (2002-2011).

OBJECT Because of the limited data available regarding the associations between risk factors and the effect of hospital case volume on outcomes after resection of intradural spine tumors, the authors attempted to identify these associations by using a large population-based database. METHODS Using the National Inpatient Sample database, the authors performed a retrospective cohort study that involved patients who underwent surgery for an intradural spinal tumor between 2002 and 2011. Using national estimates, they identified associations of patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and hospital characteristics with inpatient postoperative outcomes. In addition, the effect of hospital volume on unfavorable outcomes was investigated. Hospitals that performed fewer than 14 resections in adult patients with an intradural spine tumor between 2002 and 2011 were labeled as low-volume centers, whereas those that performed 14 or more operations in that period were classified as high-volume centers (HVCs). These cutoffs were based on the median number of resections performed by hospitals registered in the National Inpatient Sample during the study period. RESULTS Overall, 18,297 patients across 774 hospitals in the United States underwent surgery for an intradural spine tumor. The mean age of the cohort was 56.53 ± 16.28 years, and 63% were female. The inpatient postoperative risks included mortality (0.3%), discharge to rehabilitation (28.8%), prolonged length of stay (> 75th percentile) (20.0%), high-end hospital charges (> 75th percentile) (24.9%), wound complications (1.2%), cardiac complications (0.6%), deep vein thrombosis (1.4%), pulmonary embolism (2.1%), and neurological complications, including durai tears (2.4%). Undergoing surgery at an HVC was significantly associated with a decreased chance of inpatient mortality (OR 0.39; 95% CI 0.16-0.98), unfavorable discharge (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.76-0.98), prolonged length of stay (OR 0.69; 95% CI 0.62-0.77), high-end hospital charges (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.60-0.74), neurological complications (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.26-0.44), deep vein thrombosis (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.45-0.94), wound complications (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.41-0.86), and gastrointestinal complications (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.46-0.92). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide individualized estimates of the risks of postoperative complications based on patient demographics and comorbidities and hospital characteristics and shows a decreased risk for most unfavorable outcomes for those who underwent surgery at an HVC. These findings could be used as a tool for risk stratification, directing presurgical evaluation, assisting with surgical decision making, and strengthening referral systems for complex cases.

Effectiveness of a Clinical Decision Support System for Pointing Device Prescription.

OBJECTIVE: We present a novel, knowledge-driven approach to prescription of pointing devices that uses the Ontology-Supported Computerized Assistive Technology Recommender (OSCAR), a clinical decision support system (CDSS). METHOD: Fifty-five occupational therapists were divided into four groups: two assistive technology (AT) expert groups and two novice groups. Novice Group 1 used the OSCAR CDSS for the prescription process, and Novice Group 2 used the conventional method. OSCAR's effectiveness and its impact on users were evaluated. RESULTS: The ability of Novice Group 1 to make suitable pointing device prescriptions was similar to that of the two expert groups and was significantly better than that of Novice Group 2. The system positively affected Novice Group 1's learning of the prescription process. CONCLUSION: The structure and organized framework for clinical reasoning of the OSCAR CDSS appear to enable occupational therapy practitioners inexperienced in AT to achieve performance levels comparable to those of experts.

Inpatient rehabilitation outcomes in patients with malignant spinal cord compression compared to other non-traumatic spinal cord injury: A population based study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and describe demographic characteristics, clinical, and survival outcomes in patients admitted for inpatient rehabilitation following malignant spinal cord compression (MSCC) or other causes of non-traumatic spinal cord injury (NT-SCI). DESIGN: A retrospective cohort design was employed, using data retrieved from administrative databases. SETTING: Rehabilitation facilities or designated rehabilitation beds in Ontario, Canada, from April 2007 to March 2011. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with incident diagnoses of MSCC (N = 143) or NT-SCI (N = 1,274) admitted for inpatient rehabilitation. OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographic, impairment, functional outcome (as defined by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM)), discharge, healthcare utilization, survival, and tumor characteristics. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the FIM from admission to discharge (mean change 20.1 ± 14.3, <0.001) in the MSCC cohort. NT-SCI patients demonstrated a higher FIM efficiency (1.2 ± 1.7 vs. 0.8 ± 0.8, <0.001) and higher total (24.0 ± 14.4 vs. 20.1 ± 14.3, <0.001) FIM gains relative to MSCC cases. However, there were no differences between the MSCC and NT-SCI cohorts in length of stay (34.6 ± 30.3 vs. 37.5 ± 35.2, P = 0.8) or discharge FIM (100.7 ± 19.6 vs. 103.3 ± 18.1, P = 0.1). Three-month, 1-year, and 3-year survival rates in the MSCC and NT-SCI cohorts were 76.2% vs. 97.6%, 46.2% vs. 93.7%, and 27.3% vs. 86.7%, respectively. The majority (65.0%) of patients with MSCC was discharged home and met their rehabilitation goals (75.5%) at comparable rates to patients with NT-SCI (69.7 and 81.3%). CONCLUSION: Despite compromised survival, patients with MSCC make clinically significant functional gains and exhibit favorable discharge outcomes following inpatient rehabilitation. Current administrative data suggests the design and scope of inpatient rehabilitation services should reflect the unique survival-related prognostic factors in patients with MSCC.

Intramedullary medullocervical ependymoma--surgical treatment, functional recovery, and long-term outcome.

To evaluate the long-term outcome and functional recovery of intramedullary medullocervical ependymoma (IME), the clinical charts of 38 surgically treated consecutive cases of IME were reviewed. Follow-up was obtained prospectively. The mean age of the patients (19 male and 19 female) was 35.3 years (range: 11-60 years). Complete resection was achieved in 33 (86.8%) patients. Fourteen patients worsened postoperatively; five and seven of these improved to their baseline levels within 1 and 3 months, respectively. By 1 year postoperatively, 17 patients returned to work. After a mean follow-up duration of 81.5 months, 31 patients improved or stabilized, and 3 had recurrence. The means of the modified McCormick grade (mMG) scores before the operation, at discharge, 1 year after the operation, and at the most recent evaluation were 1.76, 2.13, 1.82, and 1.84, respectively. A favorable long-term outcome of the mMG was associated with a good preoperative status (mMG I) (odds ratio [OR] = 9.956, p = 0.008) and well-defined tumor boundary (OR = 7.829, p = 0.035). Improvements in the postoperative walking dysfunction and paresthesia over time were associated with the absence of preoperative walking dysfunction (p = 0.047) and paresthesia (p = 0.028), respectively. The 12-year progression/recurrence-free survival and overall survival rates were 92.0% and 93.7%, respectively. The study suggests that the goal of surgery is to stabilize the preoperative neurological function and that a favorable outcome may be achieved in patients with good preoperative statuses and well-defined tumor boundaries. Surgery should be performed as soon as possible after the diagnoses and before the neurological functions deteriorate.

Spinal cord intramedullary cavernoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Spinal Cord Intramedullary Cavernoma is a rare disease. It is a vascular disorder composed of capillary-liked vessels without intervening neurons within a spinal lesion. It may only be discovered incidentally or may be diagnosed after a neurologic deficit. Patients may present with weakness which could mimic other neurologic pathology. CASE: A case of a 65 year old with history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. He had previous microdissectomy of the lumbar L4-L5 disc. He presented with progressive lower leg paresis, urinary retention and obstipation. An MRI revealed a cavernous angioma at the T5 level. CONCLUSION: A multitude of neurologic deficits could lead to a patient presenting with a Spinal Cord Cavernoma. Prompt imaging is warranted in cases presenting with the symptoms to allow appropriate diagnoses and treatment. The clinician must be aware of this rare, but debilitating disease complex.

Rehabilitation and treatment of spinal cord tumors.

CONTEXT: Due to advances in acute oncological treatment, patients with spinal cord tumors exhibit improved survival. However, these patients have not received the full benefits of rehabilitation services to address their neurological deficits and rehabilitation goals. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiology and pathophysiology of spinal cord tumors, address methods of acute oncological management, review treatment for neurological sequelae, and understand the implications as they relate to rehabilitation. METHODS: An extensive literature review was performed regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, acute oncological management, neurological sequelae, and rehabilitation for patients with spinal cord tumors. Databases used included pubmed.gov and OVID, as well as individual journal and textbook articles. RESULTS: Access to treatment should be increased given improved survival and functional deficits for patients with spinal cord tumors. Individuals can benefit from inpatient rehabilitation programs, in spite of increased medical co-morbidity and neurological deficits. Specific areas of improvement include functionality, mood, quality of life, and survival. Adjustments to treatment plans must incorporate medical complications from cancer and its treatment, perceived quality of life, and prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with spinal cord tumors who participate in rehabilitation programs show general improvement in function, mood, quality of life, and survival. Adaptations to care plans should be made to accommodate medical co-morbidities from cancer and its treatment, patient perceptions, and prognosis.

Meningioma espinal. Un hallazgo no esperado / Meningioma spinal. An unexpected finding

Los tumores espinales son raros en el conjunto de todos los tumores del sistema nervioso central (SNC). Dentro de ellos, los meningiomas son uno de los más frecuentes (25-46% de los tumores espinales). Los meningiomas se originan a partir de las células meningoteliales. Son en general benignos, de lento crecimiento, predominan en las mujeres con edades medias-avanzadas y sobre todo en el raquis dorsal. No tienen síntomas específicos, suelen presentar: dolor, debilidad muscular, alteraciones sensitivas e incontinencia urinaria. Esta falta de clínica específica determina que se diagnostiquen tardíamente y que queden enmascarados por otros cuadros más frecuentes como la hernia discal o la enfermedad degenerativa del raquis. Si se realiza un diagnóstico precoz, los resultados del tratamiento son excelentes. Presentamos un caso de meningioma cervical hallado casualmente con una resonancia magnética (RM) solicitada por sospecha de otro proceso (AU)

Spinal tumors are rare in the group of all central nervous system (CNS). Among them, meningiomas are one of the most common (25-46% of spinal tumors). Meningioma originate from the meningothelial cells. They are generally benign, slow-growing, and predominate in middle age or elderly women. They are especially located in the thoracic spine. They have no specific symptoms although they usually present with pain, muscle weakness, sensory disturbances and urinary incontinence. This lack of specific symptoms causes late diagnosis and they are usually masked by other more common diseases as herniated disk or degenerative spinal disease. If an early diagnosed is carried out, treatment outcomes are excellent. We present a case of cervical meningioma found by chance thanks to a MRI requested due to suspicion of another disease (AU)

Inpatient rehabilitation of patients with cancer: efficacy and treatment considerations.

Although cancer can affect a great number of individuals and is the second leading cause of death in the United States, the number of individuals admitted to acute inpatient rehabilitation units with impairments primarily as the result of cancer diagnoses remains small. There is a lack of awareness among health care providers as to the functional loss that can be associated with cancer and the potential benefits of inpatient rehabilitation. Furthermore, financial pressures from third-party payors may dissuade the admission of patients with cancer for inpatient rehabilitation. This is a narrative review of the literature with respect to the efficacy and potential benefits of inpatient rehabilitation for patients with cancer. The findings of studies on the rehabilitation of general cancer populations are presented, with a focus on functional outcomes, medical complications and transfer rates, and common symptoms encountered during inpatient rehabilitation. Studies that focus on tumors involving the brain and spinal cord are separately analyzed. Functional outcomes by tumor location are reviewed with respect to tumor type, recurrence, and comparison with nontumor diagnoses. In addition, the effects of concomitant treatments on functional outcomes and possible correlations of survival with functional outcome are presented. Justification for admission of patients with cancer diagnoses to inpatient rehabilitation units, as well as implications for management of these patients during their rehabilitation stay, will be summarized.

Neoplastic myelopathies and traumatic spinal cord lesions: an Italian comparison of functional and neurological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although neoplastic spinal cord injuries (NSCIs) constitute ∼25% of all non-traumatic spinal cord lesions, patients with such pathologies are seldom, if ever, admitted to specialized centers; further, their rehabilitation typically is short because of the perception that rehabilitation prolongs hospital stays unnecessarily and is reserved only for patients with very good prognoses. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a retrospective analysis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the neurological and functional outcomes of patients with NSCIs compared with those of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). METHODS: We evaluated 208 patients with TSCIs and 63 with NSCIs; using a matching cohorts procedure, 43 comparable couples were selected from each group. The measures used to assess these patients were the American Spinal Injury Association standards, the Barthel Index (BI), the Rivermead Mobility Index and the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury. RESULTS: In the general population, NSCI patients are older and have longer lesion-to-admission times and more incomplete lesions than TSCI patients. Therefore, the functional status at admission and outcomes differed between the groups. In the matching cohorts, TSCI patients had lower BI scores at admission than NSCI subjects. At discharge, the two groups had comparable functional outcomes. Neurological status was similar at admission and at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Although they had slightly disparate functional levels at admission, NSCI and TSCI patients had the same outcomes at discharge. Our data suggest that in a selected cohort of NSCI patients, rehabilitation is as successful as that in TSCI subjects and allows most patients to be discharged instead of being institutionalized.

Teratoma inmaduro intramedular infantil / Immature childhood intramedullary teratoma

Los teratomas en la infancia son generalmente benignos; siendo los inmaduros los menos frecuentes. Son tumores intradurales; lo que supone el 10% de los tumores raquimedulares en el niño. Presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente varón afecto de lesión medular diagnosticada a los 2 años de edad sin déficit sensoriomotor. Tras extirpar la lesión quedaron secuelas que requirieron tratamiento neurorehabilitador: vejiga neurógena, paresia de extremidades inferiores. El estudio anatomopatológico diagnostica la lesión de teratoma inmaduro grado II/III de localización D11-L3. Existe además una recidiva de las lesiones intradurales; a pesar de lo cual la evolución es satisfactoria. Se realiza búsqueda bibliográfica sin encontrar ningún caso publicado con las características de nuestro paciente. Mediante este caso se demuestra la importancia de un seguimiento y tratamiento multidisciplinar para el tratamiento de estas lesiones; de modo que el papel del médico rehabilitador es actuar de forma precoz para minimizar las secuelas y conseguir el mayor grado de independencia posible(AU)

Teratomas in childhood are usually benign, the immature ones being the least frequent. They are intradural tumors, which account for 10% of all the spinal tumors in children. We present a case of a male whose lesion was detected when he was 2 years old with no sensory-motor deficit. Following the tumor excision, some sequels remained that required rehabilitation treatment: neurogenic bladder and lower limb paresis. The anatomy-pathology diagnosed an immature teratoma grade II/III located in D11-L3. There was also recurrence of the intradural lesions in spite of which the evolution was good. A bibliographic search was performed, without finding any case similar to our patient. The importance of a follow-up and multidisciplinary treatment for those lesions is demonstrated by this case. Thus, the role of the rehabilitation doctor is to act early to minimize the sequels and to the highest independence possible(AU)

Neurological manifestations following partial excision in spinal meningioma: case report.

Presented here is a 16-year-old girl who was referred on 30th January 1996 with diagnosis of cord compression with spastic paraplegia with sensory level at T7/T8. CT scan myelogam confirmed soft tissue density mass displacing cord to the left with no dye being seen beyond T3. Thoracic spine decompressive laminectomy was performed on 1st January 1996 at Nairobi West Hospital extending from T3 to T6 level, which revealed a fibrous haemorrhagic tumour. Histology showed meningioma (mixed fibrous type and meningoepitheliomatous type) with many psammoma bodies. She had a stormy post-operative period, with infection and wound dehiscence. This was treated with appropriate antibiotics and wound care. She was eventually rehabilitated and was able to walk with the aid of a walking frame because of persistent spasticity of right leg. She was seen once as an outpatient by author on 6th July 1996, she was able to use the walking frame, but the right leg was still held in flexion deformity at the knee. She was thus referred to an orthopaedic surgeon for possible tenotomy. She was able to resume her studies at the University ambulating using a wheel chair and walking frame. She presented with worsening of symptoms in 2001 (five years after her first surgery). MRI scan thoracic spine revealed a left anterolateral intradural lesion extending from T3 to T5 vertebral body level compressing and displacing the spinal cord. She had a repeat surgery on 6th March 2001 at Kenyatta National Hospital; spastic paraparesis and urinary incontinenece persisted. She also developed bed sores and recurrent urinary tract infections. She was followed up by the author and other medical personnel in Mwea Mission Hospital where she eventually succumbed in 2005, nine years after her first surgery. This case is presented as a case of incompletely excised spinal meningioma to highlight some of the problems of managing spinal meningiomas when operating microscope and embolisation of tumours are not readily available. Also the family experienced financial constraint in bringing the patient for regular follow-up, and getting access to appropriate antibiotics, catheters and urine bags.

Directed rehabilitation reduces pain and depression while increasing independence and satisfaction with life for patients with paraplegia due to epidural metastatic spinal cord compression.

We determined whether directed rehabilitation affected survival, pain, depression, independence, and satisfaction with life for veterans who were nonambulatory after spinal epidural metastasis (SEM) treatment. We compared 12 consecutive paraplegic veterans who received 2 weeks of directed rehabilitation with a historical control group of 30 paraplegic veterans who did not receive rehabilitation. The rehabilitation program emphasized transfers, bowel and bladder care, incentive spirometry, nutrition, and skin care. The outcome measures were survival, independence, pain levels, depression, and satisfaction with life. Patients receiving rehabilitation had longer median survivals, fewer deaths from myelopathic complications, less pain 2 weeks after SEM treatment, lower depression scores, and higher satisfaction with life scores. In addition, among the patients who received rehabilitation, eight became independent for transfers (vs zero controls) and nine returned home (vs six controls). We conclude that directed rehabilitation reduced patients' pain levels and increased their mobility, survival, and life satisfaction.

Barriers to rehabilitation of the neurosurgical spine cancer patient.

The treatment of metastatic spine tumors has evolved significantly over the past 20 years due largely to improvements in magnetic resonance imaging; decompressive surgical techniques, spinal instrumentation, and high-dose conformal radiation. These advances have improved our ability to provide meaningful palliation for patients who often have significant medical and cancer-related issues. Despite technical advances that have improved our ability to maintain neurologic function, stabilize the spine, and prevent local tumor recurrences, significant barriers to rehabilitation remain. This article reviews these primary barriers to rehabilitation of the cancer patient following spine surgery and emphasizes the importance of diagnostic accuracy and a comprehensive team approach to the treatment of pain and other disorders in this population.