PATIENTS WITH SPINAL METASTASIS SUBMITTED TO NEUROLOGICAL DECOMPRESSION AND STABILIZATION

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze retrospectively the surgical outcomes of a group of patients with bone metastases and multiple myeloma in the spine, which underwent neurological decompression and arthrodesis using pedicle screws, by isolated posterior approach, to check whether the operated patients present clinical improvement regarding the pain and neurological deficit compared to the preoperative period. Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study of case series, that analyzed data from medical records of patients with bone metastases in the spine who underwent surgical treatment between January 2007 and February 2011. Results: Of the 42 patients in the sample, according to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (p=0.000) there was improvement in pain with respect to the preoperative, with 33 patients (78.6%) reporting improvement and only 9 (21.4%) maintaining the initial pain complaints. Of the 25 patients available for evaluation of neurological improvement (≠ Frankel E) 9 patients (36%) had some kind of improvement postoperatively, and no operated patient presented neurological worsening, indicating statistical significance according to the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (p = 0.000). It was also observed statistical correlation (p=0.042) between Frankel functional score postoperatively and pain relief, using the chi-square test. Conclusions: Surgical treatment for patients with spinal metastasis through arthrodesis with pedicle instrumentation and decompression may have significant clinical benefits, especially as regards the improvement in pain symptoms and improved neurological function.