Posterior laminectomy and vertebroplasty combined with radiofrequency ablation in spinal metastases from malignant tumors

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the safety and efficacy of laminectomy combined with vertebroplasty in spinal metastases from rapid-growth tumors. Methods: Clinical data of 23 patients with spinal metastases of lung cancer, who were admitted to the Cancer Hospital from July 2008 to May 2012, were retrospectively analyzed. Thirteen male and ten female patients, with an age range from 40 years to 65 years and a mean age of 51.5, were examined. All patients received posterior laminectomy to relieve spinal cord compression. Afterward, vertebroplasty combined with radiofrequency ablation was conducted, followed by the internal fixation of vertebrae (instrumental fixation). Operation time, blood loss, and bone cement leakage rate were analyzed. One month before and after the operation, pain measurement was conducted using visual analog scale (VAS) and neurologic deficit (spinal cord injury) by Frankel Grade. Functional impairment was classified by Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score. Quality of life was assessed by the European Organization for Research and Treatment questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30). Results: The mean operation time was 163±87.36 min. Blood boss was 430±130.35 mL. Bone cement leakage rate was 21.7%. One month before and after surgery, the VAS showed statistical significance (t=25.6, P<0.01). After surgery, 78.3% of all patients exhibited functionally satisfactory Frankel Grade D or E, compared with 43.5% of patients before the operation. KPS score (80 to 100) percentage was 69.6% after surgery compared with 34.8% before surgery. One month after the operation, remission of various degrees was seen in 10 of 18 patients who had sphincteric dysfunction before surgery (55.6%). The EORTC QLQ-C30 score was 85.39±8.99 before and 52.78±15.17 after operation. The quality of life improved significantly (t=11.6, P<0.01). Conclusion: Posterior laminectomy and vertebroplasty combined with radiofrequency ablation for spinal metastases from lung cancer is safe and effective. The treatment can improve pain, function, and life quality of patients with lung cancer spinal metastases.