Surgical outcomes of cervical spinal cord tumor in elderly patients assessed by the Japanese Orthopedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire.

Study design: Single-institution retrospective study.

Objectives: To assess postoperative functional and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in elderly patients who underwent cervical spinal cord tumor surgery using the Japanese Orthopedic Association Cervical Myelopathy Evaluation Questionnaire (JOACMEQ).

Setting: Single university hospital.

Methods: This retrospective study included 97 patients who underwent surgery for cervical spinal cord tumors between 2000 and 2016. Patients were divided into two groups: a younger group (patients < 65 years old) and an elderly group (patients ≥ 65 years old). Surgical outcomes were evaluated using JOA scores and JOACMEQ, with statistical comparisons between age (younger vs. elderly) and tumor types (intramedullary vs. extramedullary).

Results: Preoperative JOA scores were significantly lower in the elderly group compared to the younger group. Postoperative recovery rates were similar between the two groups. Extramedullary tumor resections in the elderly showed notable functional improvements. Conversely, elderly patients with intramedullary tumors exhibited poorer outcomes in lower extremity function and QOL, as measured by the JOACMEQ.

Conclusion: Surgical intervention for cervical spinal cord tumors in elderly patients can yield functional and QOL outcomes similar to those in younger patients, especially for extramedullary tumors. However, intramedullary tumor resections in the elderly may result in less favorable outcomes, particularly in lower limb function and QOL. These findings underscore the importance of thorough preoperative counseling for elderly patients, highlighting potential risks and benefits based on tumor type.