[Surgical treatment of spinal myeloma, report of 19 cases].

OBJECTIVES

To discuss the indications for surgical procedures of spinal myeloma.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was made of the data of operation results of Nineteen patients with spinal myeloma, 13 males and 6 females, with the mean age of 45.1 (range 31 approximately 52). Pain was present in all patients. Nine patients had neurological deficit. According to Frankel classification 5 cases were Frankel B, 3 cases were Frenkel C, and 1 case was Frenkel D. Fourteen cases were diagnosed before operation, and 5 cases were diagnosed by pathology after operation. Surgical procedures performed included anterior approach in 11 cases, posterior approach in 7 cases and combined approach in 1 case.

RESULTS

Decrease of pain was observed in all cases after surgery. Neurological improvement was observed in 8 out of the 9 cases. Complication (alteration of intestinal flora) occurred in one case. Follow-up lasted more than 1 year except in one case with a follow-up of only 6 months. Four cases were lost of follow-up. One case was still alive during the follow-up 8 years after operation. Other cases survived for 26.5 months on average (range 16 approximately 48 months).

CONCLUSION

Surgery can ensure neurological improvement and spinal stability for patients with spinal myeloma, but should be associated with adjunctive medical treatment.