Spinal fixation after anterior decompression for symptomatic spinal metastasis.

Surgical strategies for the treatment of symptomatic spinal metastases must take into account both decompression of the spinal cord and stabilization of the spinal column. A method is described for securing spinal stabilization in patients who have undergone surgical decompression for symptomatic spinal metastases by an anterior approach. The fixation device used is a tailor-made prosthesis consisting of a U-shaped stainless steel plate permitting screw fixation to secure axial and rotational stability with an interposed methyl methacrylate strut to provide axial strength and support. The device has been used successfully in 51 patients who have undergone anterior decompression procedures for symptomatic spinal metastases.