Functional Outcome Following  Stabilization in Secondaries Spine

Dr Ranganath C; Dr Ravi Kumar; Dr Angshuman Khanna; Dr Gautham Kiron T

Volume : II, Issue : VII, July - 2013

Functional Outcome Following Stabilization in Secondaries Spine

Dr Ranganath C, Dr Ravi Kumar, Dr Angshuman Khanna, Dr Gautham Kiron T

Abstract :

INTRODUCTION: Palliative surgeries for metastatic spine tumors are becoming increasingly popular. The essential objective is to provide a good quality of life, pain relief and restore ambulatory status. MATERIALS AND METHODS : We present a case series of 11 patients with spinal metastasis who have undergone spinal stabilization by posterior instrumentation. Of the eleven patients, neurological deficits were present in six patients and all had significant pain. These patients underwent thorough clinical, radiological and metastatic workup. Post surgical adjuvant therapy were given. RESULTS : There were no perioperative or immediate postoperative deaths . A comparison of the visual analog score showed the mean score to have come down significantly . No deterioration of pre-existing neurological status in any patient. Comfortable ambulation was observed in all but two patients . CONCLUSION : Palliative spinal stabilization is a useful procedure to provide immediate relieve pain and ambulation in patients with spinal metastasis and instability. It may be combined with adjuvant therapy to improve quality of life.