Operative treatment of thoraco-lumbar metastases, using methylmetacrylate and Kempf's rods for vertebral replacement and stabilization. Report of 15 cases

The authors report their experience in the treatment of 15 cases in thoracolumbar metastases with spinal cord compression. A decompressive laminectomy was routinely performed and followed by a transversoarthropediculectomy. Most part of the neoplastic tissue was removed from the epidural space, vertebral body and retroperitoneal or retro-pleural areas. Complete decompression of the nervous elements was always achieved. Stabilization was obtained by replacement of the neoplastic vertebral body with a methylmetacrylate prothesis and eventually by Kempf's compression instrumentation. The surgical treatment was completed in a single stage operation, by a classical posterolateral approach. Orthopaedic, neurologic and oncologic advantages of this treatment are discussed.