Predictor of neurological function after surgical treatment of the metastatic epidural spinal cord compression

Abstract

Introduction. Postoperative neurological function influent prognosis and quality of life among patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC). Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the predictor of postoperative neurological function in patients with MESCC, treated with spinal cord decompression. Materials and methods. The study analysed the medical records of 51 patients who underwent surgical treatment with corpectomy at the Department of Oncological Orthopaedics in Brzozów in 2014-2015. The majority of patients were male (61%). The mean age of patients was 61 years. Influence of following variable on postoperative neurological function were assessed: age, gender, location of primary tumor, location and number of affected segments, the pre-and early postoperative Frankel grade, ability to walk and use of walking aid. Variables were analyzed with univariate methods. Results. The majority of the patients were assigned to Frankel grade C. After surgical intervention 68 % of patients reagin ability to walk. Univariate analyses identify preoperative impairment scale grades, the ability to walk preoperatively, tumor localization, as predictors for neurological improvement and outcome. Conclusions. Early surgical decompression is essential to preserve neurological function, especially for patients with myeloma.