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Scoring System for the Preoperative Evaluation of Metastatic Spine Tumor Prognosis
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1990
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Assessment SystemSurgical OncologySurgerySpinal DisorderSpinal OncologyOrthopaedic SurgeryNeuro-oncologyPreoperative EvaluationOncologySpinal TumorMetastatic Spine TumorsRadiation OncologyCancer ResearchSpinal Cord PalsyRadiologyHealth SciencesSpinal Cord InjurySpine SurgeryPrognostic EvaluationMedicine
The study evaluated a six‑parameter scoring system—general condition, extraspinal bone metastases, vertebral metastases, major organ involvement, primary cancer site, and spinal cord palsy severity—applied to 64 surgically treated metastatic spine tumor patients, with each parameter scored 0–2 points. The total score correlated with prognosis, but no single parameter predicted outcome; patients scoring above 9 were advised excisional surgery, while those scoring below 5 were recommended palliative procedures.
An assessment system for the prognosis of metastatic spine tumors was evaluated for 64 cases who had undergone surgery. Six parameters were employed in the assessment system: 1) the general condition, 2) the number of extraspinal bone metastases, 3) the number of metastases in the vertebral body, 4) metastases to the major internal organs (lungs, liver, kidneys, and brain), 5) the primary site of the cancer, and 6) the severity of spinal cord palsy. Each parameter ranged from 0 to 2 points. The total score obtained for each patient can be correlated with the prognosis, while being valuable in predicting it. However, the prognosis could not be predicted from a single parameter. In conclusion, an excisional operation should be performed on those cases who scored above 9 points, while a palliative operation is indicated for those who scored under 5 points.