Epidemiology and neurological profiling of vertebral tumors in Mexico: a five-year review from a tertiary referral center.

Abstract

Study design: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study.

Objectives: This article's objective is to analyze the epidemiological characteristics, anatomical distribution, and functional status of persons with vertebral tumors treated at a tertiary care center in an emerging country between 2019 and 2023.

Settings: January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2023 (5 years), at the Department of Peripheric Nerve, Traumatology and Orthopedic Hospital "Dr. Victorio de la Fuente Narváez", Mexico City, Mexico.

Methods: It was conducted an observational descriptive and retrospective study analyzing 358 persons with confirmed vertebral tumors. All cases were evaluated using the ASIA/ISCoS International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) worksheet at admission. Histopathological diagnosis, anatomical location, healthcare level at diagnosis, and ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Of the 358 cases analyzed, 88% were malignant lesions, with metastatic tumors-especially from breast, prostate, and kidney-being the most common. The thoracic spine was the most frequently affected region (47.2%). AIS D (moderate motor deficit) was the most prevalent classification (46.6%). Emergency department diagnoses increased over the study period, from 24.4% in 2019 to 57% in 2023, while referrals from primary and secondary care declined. Malignant tumors predominated in persons aged 41-80, while benign tumors were more frequent in younger persons.

Conclusions: Most vertebral tumors were diagnosed at advanced stages and in emergency settings, suggesting a need to improve early detection and referral systems. Enhanced training and integration across healthcare levels are essential to optimize outcomes in individuals with vertebral tumors in resource-limited settings.

Sponsorship: No funding sources influenced the design, execution, or interpretation of the research presented in this article.