Advances in Surgery for Metastatic Disease of the Spine: An Update for Oncologists.

STUDY DESIGN: Narrative review. OBJECTIVE: Metastatic spine disease is an increasingly common clinical challenge that requires individualised multidisciplinary care from spine surgeons and oncologists. In this article, the authors describe the recent surgical advances in patients presenting with spinal metastases. METHODS: We present an overview of the presentation, assessment, and management of spinal metastases from the perspective of the spine surgeon, highlighting advances in surgical technology and techniques, to facilitate multidisciplinary care for this complex patient group. Neither institutional review board approval nor patient consent was needed for this review. RESULTS: Advances in radiotherapy delivery and systemic therapy (including immunotherapy and targeted therapy) have refined operative indications for decompression of neural structures and spinal stabilisation, while advances in surgical technology and technique enable these goals to be achieved with reduced morbidity. Formulating individualised management strategies that optimise outcome, while meeting patient goals and expectations, requires a comprehensive understanding of the factors important to patient management. CONCLUSION: Spinal metastases require prompt diagnosis and expert management by a multidisciplinary team. Improvements in systemic, radiation, and surgical therapies have broadened operative indications and increased operative candidacy, and future advances are likely to continue this trend.

Comparison of Single or Double Titanium Mesh Cage for Anterior Reconstruction After Total En Bloc Spondylectomy for Thoracic and Lumbar Spinal Tumors.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of anterior column reconstruction using single or double titanium mesh cage (TMC) after total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) of thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed involving 39 patients with thoracic or lumbar spinal tumors. All patients underwent TES, followed by anterior reconstruction and screw-rod instrumentation via a posterior-only procedure. Twenty-two patients in group A were treated with a single TMC to reconstruct the anterior column, whereas 17 patients in group B were reconstructed with double TMCs. RESULTS: The overall follow-up is 20.5 ± 4.6 months. There is no significant difference between the 2 groups regarding age, sex, body mass index, tumor location, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss. The time for TMC placement was significantly shortened in the double TMCs group (5.2 ± 1.3 minutes vs. 15.6 ± 3.3 minutes, p = 0.004). Additionally, postoperative neural complications were significantly reduced with double TMCs (5/22 vs. 0/17, p = 0.046). The kyphotic Cobb angle and mean intervertebral height were significantly corrected in both groups (p ≤ 0.001), without obvious loss of correction at the last follow-up in either group. The bone fusion rates for single TMC and double TMCs were 77.3% and 76.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Using 2 smaller TMCs instead of a single large one eases the placement of TMC by shortening the time and avoiding nerve impingement. Anterior column reconstruction with double TMC is a clinically feasible, and safe alternative following TES for thoracic and lumbar tumors.

Assessment of inter- and intraobserver agreement for META score in distinguishing osteoporotic from multiple myeloma vertebral fractures.

PURPOSE: To conduct an independent assessment of inter- and intraobserver agreement for the META score as a tool for differentiating osteoporotic vertebral fractures and multiple myeloma vertebral fractures. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study. The magnetic resonance imaging analysis was made by two independent spinal surgeons. We designated a Subjective assessment, in which the surgeon should establish a diagnostic classification for each vertebral fracture based on personal experience: secondary to osteoporosis, categorized as a benign vertebral fracture (BVF), or attributed to multiple myeloma, categorized a malign vertebral fracture (MVF). After a 90-day interval, both surgeons repeated the evaluations. For the next step, the observers should establish a diagnosis between BVF and MVF according to the META score system, and both observers repeated the evaluations after a 90-day interval. The intra and interobserver reliability of the Subjective evaluation was studied using the kappa (κ) test. Then, the META evaluations were paralleled using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: A total of 220 patients who had the potential to participate in the study were initially enrolled, but after applying the exclusion criteria, 44 patients were included. Thirty-three patients had BVF, and 12 patients presented MVF. Interobserver agreement for both Subjective evaluations moments (initial and 90-days interval) found a slight agreement for both moments (0.35 and 0.40 respectively). Kappa test for both META evaluations moments (initial and 90-days interval) found a moderate interobserver agreement for both moments (0.54 and 0.48 respectively). It was observed that the ICC calculated for the Initial evaluation using META score was 0.680 and that in the 90-days interval was 0.726, indicating regular to good agreement. Kappa test for intraobserver agreements for the Subjective evaluation presented moderate agreement for both Surgeons. On the other side, Kappa test for intraobserver agreements for the META evaluation presented substantial agreement for both Surgeons. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient of the META score found presented an almost perfect agreement for both Surgeons. CONCLUSION: Intra and interobserver agreement for both surgeons were unsatisfactory. The lack of consistent reproducibility by the same observer discourages and disfavors the routine use of the META score in clinical decision making, when potentially cases of multiple myeloma may be present.

A Combined Cyto- and Histopathological Diagnostic Approach Reduces Time to Diagnosis and Time to Therapy in First Manifestation of Metastatic Spinal Disease: A Cohort Study.

Malignant spinal lesions (MSLs) are frequently the first manifestation of malignant disease. Spinal care, diagnostic evaluation, and the initiation of systemic therapy are crucial for outcomes in patients (pts) with advanced cancer. However, histopathology (HP) may be time consuming. The additional evaluation of spinal lesions using cytopathology (CP) has the potential to reduce the time to diagnosis (TTD) and time to therapy (TTT). CP and HP specimens from spinal lesions were evaluated in parallel in 61 pts (CP/HP group). Furthermore, 139 pts in whom only HP was performed were analyzed (HP group). We analyzed the TTD of CP and HP within the CP/HP group. Furthermore, we compared the TTD and TTT between the groups. The mean TTD in CP was 1.7 ± 1.7 days (d) and 8.4 ± 3.6 d in HP (p < 0.001). In 13 pts in the CP/HP group (24.1%), specific therapy was initiated based on the CP findings in combination with imaging and biomarker results before completion of HP. The mean TTT in the CP/HP group was 21.0 ± 15.8 d and was significantly shorter compared to the HP group (28.6 ± 23.3 d) (p = 0.034). Concurrent CP for MSLs significantly reduces the TTD and TTT. As a result, incorporating concurrent CP for analyzing spinal lesions suspected of malignancy might have the potential to enhance pts' quality of life and prognosis in advanced cancer. Therefore, we recommend implementing CP as a standard procedure for the evaluation of MSLs.

A Strategic Approach to Addressing Aggressive Vertebral Hemangiomas With Hypofractionated Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy.

This case report describes the treatment of a recurrent T2 vertebral hemangioma in a 46-year-old man who had prior decompression and fusion surgery. Despite initial stability, the patient developed worsening symptoms, leading to a comprehensive approach involving embolization, microscopic excision, and posterior fixation. Recurrence prompted the choice of Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT) over redo surgery. Administered with 30 Gy in five fractions, SBRT significantly reduced hemangioma size and resolved neurological symptoms. The case highlights the effectiveness of hypofractionated SBRT as a promising intervention for aggressive vertebral hemangiomas.

Racial disparities in the management and outcomes of primary osseous neoplasms of the spine: a SEER analysis.

PURPOSE: Primary osseous neoplasms of the spine, including Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, and chordoma, are rare tumors with significant morbidity and mortality. The present study aims to identify the prevalence and impact of racial disparities on management and outcomes of patients with these malignancies. METHODS: The 2000 to 2020 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Registry, a cancer registry, was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients with Ewing's sarcoma, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, or chordoma of the vertebral column or sacrum/pelvis. Study patients were divided into race-based cohorts: White, Black, Hispanic, and Other. Demographics, tumor characteristics, treatment variables, and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: 2,415 patients were identified, of which 69.8% were White, 5.8% Black, 16.1% Hispanic, and 8.4% classified as "Other". Tumor type varied significantly between cohorts, with osteosarcoma affecting a greater proportion of Black patients compared to the others (p < 0.001). A lower proportion of Black and Other race patients received surgery compared to White and Hispanic patients (p < 0.001). Utilization of chemotherapy was highest in the Hispanic cohort (p < 0.001), though use of radiotherapy was similar across cohorts (p = 0.123). Five-year survival (p < 0.001) and median survival were greatest in White patients (p < 0.001). Compared to non-Hispanic Whites, Hispanic (p < 0.001) and "Other" patients (p < 0.001) were associated with reduced survival. CONCLUSION: Race may be associated with tumor characteristics at diagnosis (including subtype, size, and site), treatment utilization, and mortality, with non-White patients having lower survival compared to White patients. Further studies are necessary to identify underlying causes of these disparities and solutions for eliminating them.

Disparities in Primary Spinal Osseous Malignant Bone Tumor Survival by Medicaid Status: A National Population-Based Risk Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The impact of Medicaid status on survival outcomes of patients with spinal primary malignant bone tumors (sPMBT) has not been investigated. METHODS: Using the SEER-Medicaid database, adults diagnosed between 2006 and 2013 with sPMBT including chordoma, osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, or malignant giant cell tumor (GCT) were studied. Five-year survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Adjusted survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional-hazards regression controlling for age, sex, marital status, cancer stage, poverty level, vertebral versus sacral location, geography, rurality, tumor diameter, tumor grade, tumor histology, and therapy. RESULTS: A total of 572 patients with sPMBT (Medicaid: 59, non-Medicaid: 513) were identified. Medicaid patients were more likely to be younger (P < 0.001), Black (P < 0.001), live in high poverty neighborhoods (P = 0.006), have distant metastases at diagnosis (P < 0.001), and less likely to receive surgery (P = 0.006). The 5-year survival rate was 65.7% (chondrosarcoma: 70.0%, chordoma: 91.5%, Ewing sarcoma: 44.6%, GCT: 90.0%, osteosarcoma: 34.2%). Medicaid patients had significantly worse 5-year survival than non-Medicaid patients (52.0% vs. 67.2%, P = 0.02). Minority individuals on Medicaid were associated with an increased risk of cancer-specific mortality compared with White non-Medicaid patients (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 2.51, [95% CI 1.18-5.35], P = 0.017). Among Medicaid patients, those who received surgery had significantly better survival than those who did not (64.5% vs. 30.6%, P = 0.001). For all patients, not receiving surgery (aHR = 1.90 [1.23-2.95], P = 0.004) and tumor diameter >50 mm (aHR=1.89 [1.10-3.25], P = 0.023) were associated with an increased risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid patients may be less likely to receive surgery and suffer from poorer survival. These disparities may be especially prominent among minorities.

Surgical Strategy for Recurrent Giant Cell Tumor in the Thoracolumbar Spine.

OBJECTIVE: Recurrent giant cell tumor (RGCT) of the spine represents a clinical challenge for surgeons, and the treatment strategy remains controversial. This study aims to describe the long-term follow-up outcomes and compare the efficacy of en bloc spondylectomy versus piecemeal spondylectomy in treating RGCT of the thoracolumbar spine. METHODS: A total of 32 patients with RGCT of the thoracolumbar spine treated from June 2012 to June 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 15 patients received total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) with wide or marginal margin while 17 patients received total piecemeal spondylectomy (TPS) with intralesional margin. Postoperative Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Score (ECOG-PS), Frankel classification and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were evaluated after surgery. Survival curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and differences were analyzed with the log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed with Cox regression to identify the independent prognostic factors affecting RFS. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 41.9 ± 17.5 months, all patients with compromised neurologic functions exhibit significant improvement, with the mean ECOG-PS decreasing from 1.5 ± 1.3 to 0.13 ± 0.3 (p < 0.05). Among the 17 patients treated with TPS, eight patients developed local recurrence after a median time of 15.9 ± 6.4 months and four patients died from progressive disease. On the other hand, local recurrence were well managed with TES, since only one out of 15 patients experienced local relapse and all patients are alive with satisfied function at the latest follow-up. The median RFS for patients receiving TES and TPS are 75.0 months (95% CI: 67.5-82.5 m) and 38.3 months (95% CI: 27.3-49.3 m) respectively (p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis shows that the Ki67 index (p = 0.016), resection mode (p = 0.022), and denosumab (p = 0.039) are independent risk factors affecting RFS. CONCLUSIONS: TES with wide/marginal margin should be offered to patients with RGCT whenever feasible, given its long-term benefits in local control and symptom alleviation. Additionally, patients with lower Ki67 index and application of denosumab tend to have a better prognosis.

Effect of Bone Metastasis Cancer Board on Spinal Surgery Outcomes: A Retrospective Study.

Background and Objectives: Bone metastasis cancer boards (BMCBs) focusing on the management of bone metastases have been gathering much attention. However, the association of BMCBs with spinal surgery in patients with spinal metastases remains unclear. In this retrospective single-center observational study, we aimed to clarify the effect of a BMCB on spinal metastasis treatment. Materials and Methods: We reviewed consecutive cases of posterior decompression and/or instrumentation surgery for metastatic spinal tumors from 2008 to 2019. The BMCB involved a team of specialists in orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, radiation oncology, radiology, palliative supportive care, oncology, and hematology. We compared demographics, eastern cooperative oncology group performance status (ECOGPS), Barthel index (BI), number of overall versus emergency surgeries, and primary tumors between patients before (2008-2012) and after (2013-2019) BMCB establishment. Results: A total of 226 patients including 33 patients before BMCB started were enrolled; lung cancer was the most common primary tumor. After BMCB establishment, the mean patient age was 5 years older (p = 0.028), the mean operating time was 34 min shorter (p = 0.025), the mean hospital stay was 34.5 days shorter (p < 0.001), and the mean BI before surgery was 12 points higher (p = 0.049) than before. Moreover, the mean number of surgeries per year increased more than fourfold to 27.6 per year (p < 0.01) and emergency surgery rates decreased from 48.5% to 29.0% (p = 0.041). Patients with an unknown primary tumor before surgery decreased from 24.2% to 9.3% (p = 0.033). Postoperative deterioration rates from 1 to 6 months after surgery of ECOGPS and BI after BMCB started were lower than before (p = 0.045 and p = 0.027, respectively). Conclusion: The BMCB decreased the emergency surgery and unknown primary tumor rate despite an increase in the overall number of spinal surgeries. The BMCB also contributed to shorter operation times, shorter hospital stays, and lower postoperative deterioration rates of ECOGPS and BI.

Use of intraoperative bone scintigraphy for resection of spinal osteoid osteoma.

BACKGROUND: The location and proximity to the spinal cord in spinal osteoid osteoma can increase the likelihood of an incomplete resection. Intraoperative bone scintigraphy (IOBS) can be used to verify location and complete surgical resection. OBJECTIVE: To review our experience using IOBS for resection of intraspinal osteoid osteoma. METHODS: IRB approved, retrospective review of IOBS-guided resection over 10 years. Patients underwent injection of 200 uCi/kg (1-20 mCi) 99mTc-MDP 3-4 h prior surgery. Portable single-headed gamma camera equipped with a pinhole collimator (3- or 4-mm aperture) was used. Images were obtained pre-operatively, at the start of the procedure, and intraoperatively. Operative notes were reviewed. Evaluation of recurrence and clinical follow-up was performed. RESULTS: Twenty IOBS-guided resections were performed in 18 patients (median age 13.5 years, 6-22 years, 12 males). Size ranged 5-16 mm, with 38.9% (7/18) cervical, 22.2% (4/18) thoracic, 22.2% (4/18) lumbar, and 16.7% (3/18) sacral. In all cases, IOBS was able to localize the lesion. After suspected total excision, IOBS altered the surgical plan in 75% of cases (15/20), showing residual activity prompting further resection. Median length of follow-up was 6 months (range 1-156 months) with 90% (18/20) showing complete resection without recurrence. Two patients had osteoid osteoma recurrence at 7 and 10 months following the original resection, requiring re-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: IOBS is a useful tool for real-time localization and assessment of spinal osteoid osteoma resection. In all cases, IOBS was able to localize the lesion and changed surgical planning in 75% of cases. Ninety percent of patients achieved complete resection and remain recurrence free.

A solitary osteochondroma of the sixth cervical spine: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Osteochondromas, the most common benign tumors of the appendicular skeleton, are uncommonly found in the spine. Although the cervical spine is the most frequent location of spinal osteochondromas, the lower cervical spine is less commonly affected. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 16-year-old female adolescent who presented with a hard palpable mass over the nape of the neck more toward the right side associated with non-radiating pain for 3 years. Radiography and computed tomography (CT) revealed an expansile bone lesion arising from the sixth cervical spinous process (C6). En-bloc resection of the tumor was performed, which alleviated her symptoms. A histopathological examination revealed the presence of an osteochondroma without any features suggestive of malignancy. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Osteochondroma is a common benign bone tumor, mainly found in the appendicular skeleton, with rare occurrences in the spine. It can be solitary or associated with multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE). The cervical spine is the most affected area, and its symptoms vary depending on its location. Diagnosis involves imaging, and surgical excision is recommended for symptomatic cases to prevent neurological compromise, and recurrence, and to confirm the diagnosis by histopathology. CONCLUSION: Diagnosing rare conditions such as cervical osteochondroma requires a high level of clinical suspicion and the assistance of imaging techniques in patients exhibiting relevant symptoms. Optimal outcomes were achieved using en bloc resection.

Assessing the Performance of Prognostic Scores in Patients with Spinal Metastases from Lung Cancer Undergoing Non-surgical Treatment.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to see how well the Tomita score, revised Tokuhashi score, modified Bauer score, Van der Linden score, classic Skeletal Oncology Research Group (SORG) algorithm, SORG nomogram, and New England Spinal Metastasis Score (NESMS) predicted 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year survival of non-surgical lung cancer spinal metastases. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: There has been no study assessing the performance of prognostic scores for non-surgical lung cancer spinal metastases. METHODS: Data analysis was carried out to identify the variables that had a significant impact on survival. For all patients with spinal metastasis from lung cancer who received non-surgical treatment, the Tomita score, revised Tokuhashi score, modified Bauer score, Van der Linden score, classic SORG algorithm, SORG nomogram, and NESMS were calculated. The performance of the scoring systems was assessed by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves at 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. The predictive accuracy of the scoring systems was quantified using the area under the ROC curve (AUC). RESULTS: A total of 127 patients are included in the present study. The median survival of the population study was 5.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.7-9.6 months). Low hemoglobin was associated with shorter survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.49; 95% CI, 1.00-2.23; p =0.049), while targeted therapy after spinal metastasis was associated with longer survival (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.21-0.51; p <0.001). In the multivariate analysis, targeted therapy was independently associated with longer survival (HR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.17-0.5; p <0.001). The AUC of the time-dependent ROC curves for the above prognostic scores revealed all of them performed poorly (AUC <0.7). CONCLUSIONS: The seven scoring systems investigated are ineffective at predicting survival in patients with spinal metastasis from lung cancer who are treated non-surgically.

Thoracoabdominal Aortic Replacement Together with Curative Oncological Surgery in Retroperitoneal and Spinal Tumours.

Malignancies with an extended encasement or infiltration of the aorta were previously considered inoperable. This series demonstrates replacement and subsequent resection of the thoracoabdominal aorta and its large branches as an adjunct to curative radical retroperitoneal and spinal tumor resection. Five consecutive patients were enrolled between 2016 and 2020, suffering from cancer of unknown primary, pleomorphic carcinoma, chordoma, rhabdoid sarcoma, and endometrial cancer metastasis. Wide surgical resection was the only curative option for these patients. For vascular replacement, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was used as a partial left-heart bypass. The early technical success rate was 100% for vascular procedures and all patients underwent complete radical tumour resection with negative margins. All patients required surgical revision (liquor leak, n = 2; hematoma, n = 3; bypass revision, n = 1; bleeding, n = 1; biliary leak, n = 1). During follow-up (average 47 months, range 22-70) primary patency rates of aortic reconstructions and arterial bypasses were 100%; no patient suffered from recurrent malignant disease. Thoracoabdominal aortic replacement with rerouting of visceral and renal vessels is feasible in oncologic patients. In highly selected young patients, major vascular surgery can push the limits of oncologic surgery further, allowing a curative approach even in extensive retroperitoneal and spinal malignancies.

Esketamine combined with pregabalin on acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing resection of spinal neoplasms: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative pain management is one of the most challenging issues for patients with spinal neoplasms. Inadequate postoperative analgesia usually leads to severe postsurgical pain, which could cause patients to suffer from many other related complications. Meanwhile, there is no appropriate analgesic strategy for patients with spinal neoplasms. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a protocol for a randomized double-blind controlled trial to evaluate the effect of esketamine combined with pregabalin on postsurgical pain in spinal surgery. Patients aged 18 to 65 years scheduled for spinal neoplasm resection will be randomly allocated into the combined and control groups in a 1:1 ratio. In the combined group, esketamine will be given during the during the surgery procedure until 48-h postoperative period, and pregabalin will be taken from 2 h before the surgery to 2 weeks postoperatively. The control group will receive normal saline and placebo capsules at the same time points. Both groups received a background analgesic regimen by using patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (containing 100 µg sufentanil and 16 mg ondansetron) until 2 days after surgery. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of this trial, all the researchers and patients will be blinded until the completion of this study. The primary outcome will be the proportion of patients with acute moderate-to-severe postsurgical pain (visual analog scale, VAS ≥ 40, range: 0-100, with 0, no pain; 100, the worst pain) during the 48-h postoperative period. The secondary outcomes will include the maximal VAS scores (when the patients felt the most intense pain over the last 24 h before being interviewed) at 0-2 h, 2-24 h, 24-48 h, and 48-72 h after leaving the operating room and 24 h before discharge; the incidence of acute moderate-to-severe postsurgical pain at each other time point; chronic postsurgical pain assessment; neuropathic pain assessment; and the incidence of drug-related adverse events and other postoperative complications, such as postoperative delirium and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). DISCUSSION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of esketamine combined with pregabalin on acute postsurgical pain in patients undergoing resection of spinal neoplasms. The safety of this perioperative pain management strategy will also be examined. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05096468. Registered on October 27, 2021.

Efficacy of preoperative embolization for metastatic spinal tumor surgery using angiographic vascularity assessment.

OBJECTIVES: Preoperative embolization (PE) for metastatic spinal tumors is a method of minimizing intraoperative blood loss during aggressive surgery. This study specified angiographic standards and investigated the influence of these and other factors on blood loss in patients with spinal metastases and various pathologies. METHODS: The cohort comprised 126 consecutive patients receiving PE from 2015 to 2021. Their clinical, surgical, and angiographic characteristics were reviewed. Standard angiographic grading was used for vascularity assessment. Degree of embolization was divided into complete (≥ 90%), near complete (67 to < 90%), and partial (< 67%). Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors predictive of massive blood loss (> 2500 mL). A proportional odds model was used to assess factors predictive of the degree of embolization. RESULTS: Mean intraoperative blood loss was 1676 mL. Among the patients, 62 had hypervascular tumors and 64 had nonhypervascular tumors, according to the angiographic classification. Intraoperative blood loss differed significantly with embolization degree, both overall (p < 0.001) and in the hypervascular and nonhypervascular groups (p = 0.01 and 0.03). Angiographic hypervascularity, spinal metastasis invasiveness index, and embolization degree were significant predictors of massive blood loss in univariate analysis, but only embolization degree was significant in multivariate analysis. Only the presence of the radiculomedullary artery at the target level was significant in both the univariate and multivariate analyses for embolization degree. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to pathological classification, angiographic vascularity assessment is valuable. Although complete embolization is a reasonable goal, it is challenging to achieve in cases of visible radiculomedullary artery. KEY POINTS: • Angiography has a supplementary role in vascularity assessment for spinal metastatic surgery. • Better embolization degree is associated with less intraoperative blood loss in both angiographic hypervascular and nonhypervascular groups. • Presence of radiculomedullary artery in the target level causes worse embolization outcome.

Individualized assessment of risk and overall survival in patients newly diagnosed with primary osseous spinal neoplasms with synchronous distant metastasis.

Background: The prognosis of patients with primary osseous spinal neoplasms (POSNs) presented with distant metastases (DMs) is still poor. This study aimed to evaluate the independent risk and prognostic factors in this population and then develop two web-based models to predict the probability of DM in patients with POSNs and the overall survival (OS) rate of patients with DM. Methods: The data of patients with POSNs diagnosed between 2004 and 2017 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Univariate and multivariate logistics regression analyses were used to study the risk factors of DM. Based on independent DM-related variables, we developed a diagnostic nomogram to estimate the risk of DM in patients with POSNs. Among all patients with POSNs, those who had synchronous DM were included in the prognostic cohort for investigating the prognostic factors by using Cox regression analysis, and then a nomogram incorporating predictors was developed to predict the OS of patients with POSNs with DM. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis was conducted to study the survival difference. In addition, validation of these nomograms were performed by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the area under curves (AUCs), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results: A total of 1345 patients with POSNs were included in the study, of which 238 cases (17.70%) had synchronous DM at the initial diagnosis. K-M survival analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that patients with DM had poorer prognosis. Grade, T stage, N stage, and histological type were found to be significantly associated with DM in patients with POSNs. Age, surgery, and histological type were identified as independent prognostic factors of patients with POSNs with DM. Subsequently, two nomograms and their online versions (https://yxyx.shinyapps.io/RiskofDMin/ and https://yxyx.shinyapps.io/SurvivalPOSNs/) were developed. The results of ROC curves, calibration curves, DCA, and K-M survival analysis together showed the excellent predictive accuracy and clinical utility of these newly proposed nomograms. Conclusion: We developed two well-validated nomograms to accurately quantify the probability of DM in patients with POSNs and predict the OS rate in patients with DM, which were expected to be useful tools to facilitate individualized clinical management of these patients.

Spinal Metastasis in Multiple Primary Malignancies Involving Lung Cancer: Clinical Characteristics and Survival.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of multiple primary malignancies (MPM) has increased in recent decades. Our aim was to evaluate incidence, clinical features, and survival in cases of spinal metastases from MPM in which one of the malignancies is lung cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed an institutional database of lung cancer patients with spinal metastasis and extracted all cases of MPM. RESULTS: Among 275 patients who had spinal metastasis with lung cancer as one of the diagnoses, 21 (7.6%) patients with MPM were identified. Mean patient age was 68.5 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 65.3-71.7). The most common cancers diagnosed in addition to lung cancer were breast cancer (5 patients, 24%), upper aerodigestive tract cancer (4 patients, 19%), and prostate cancer (4 patients, 19%). Eighteen (86%) patients walked independently, and 3 (14%) patients walked with help. Seventeen (80.9%) patients had a good Karnofsky performance scale score. The median survivals from the date of first cancer diagnosis, last cancer diagnosis, and spinal metastasis diagnosis were 109.8 months (95% CI, 23.5-196.1), 17.8 months (95% CI, 5.8-29.8), and 10.3 months (95% CI, 5.4-15.2), respectively. Actual rates of survival at 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months from the date of spinal metastasis diagnosis were 81%, 42.9%, and 23.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study is the first series to our knowledge to show that survival of patients with spinal metastasis and MPM involving lung cancer is not clearly inferior to that of patients with spinal metastasis and lung cancer alone.

Minimally Invasive Tubular Retractor Surgery for Intradural Extramedullary Spinal Tumor Reduces Postoperative Degeneration of Paraspinal Muscle.

Background Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) using a tubular retractor has been increasingly utilized in spinal surgery for degenerative conditions with the benefit of paraspinal muscle preservation. This benefit has not been previously reported for intradural extramedullary tumors using the MIS approach. In this study, we aimed to compare the degree of postoperative fatty degeneration in paraspinal muscle between MIS with tubular retractor (MIS) and open laminectomy (Open) for intradural extramedullary spinal tumors. Methods This was a retrospective review conducted in a tertiary neurosurgical center from 2015 to 2019. The degree of paraspinal muscle fatty degeneration, as measured by Goutallier grade on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), was analyzed, and the degree of excision, tumor recurrence rate, and chronic pain were compared between the two surgical approaches. Results Among 9 patients in the MIS group and 33 patients in the Open group, the rate of gross total resection was comparable (MIS: 100.0%, Open: 97.0%, p = 1.000). The degree of paraspinal muscle fatty degeneration was significantly reduced in the MIS group (median Goutallier grade 1 in MIS group vs. median Goutallier grade 2 in Open group, p = 0.023). There was no significant difference in the tumor recurrence rate, complication rate, and chronic pain severity. A consistent trend of reduced analgesic consumption was observed in the MIS group, though not statistically significant. Conclusions Minimally invasive tubular retractor surgery is an effective approach for appropriately selected intradural extramedullary spinal tumors with significantly reduced postoperative fatty degeneration in paraspinal muscle.

Finite Element Analysis of Osteoporotic and Osteoblastic Vertebrae and Its Association With the Proton Density Fat Fraction From Chemical Shift Encoding-Based Water-Fat MRI - A Preliminary Study.

Purpose: Osteoporosis is prevalent and entails alterations of vertebral bone and marrow. Yet, the spine is also a common site of metastatic spread. Parameters that can be non-invasively measured and could capture these alterations are the volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), proton density fat fraction (PDFF) as an estimate of relative fat content, and failure displacement and load from finite element analysis (FEA) for assessment of bone strength. This study's purpose was to investigate if osteoporotic and osteoblastic metastatic changes in lumbar vertebrae can be differentiated based on the abovementioned parameters (vBMD, PDFF, and measures from FEA), and how these parameters correlate with each other. Materials and Methods: Seven patients (3 females, median age: 77.5 years) who received 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and multi-detector computed tomography (CT) of the lumbar spine and were diagnosed with either osteoporosis (4 patients) or diffuse osteoblastic metastases (3 patients) were included. Chemical shift encoding-based water-fat MRI (CSE-MRI) was used to extract the PDFF, while vBMD was extracted after automated vertebral body segmentation using CT. Segmentation masks were used for FEA-based failure displacement and failure load calculations. Failure displacement, failure load, and PDFF were compared between patients with osteoporotic vertebrae versus patients with osteoblastic metastases, considering non-fractured vertebrae (L1-L4). Associations between those parameters were assessed using Spearman correlation. Results: Median vBMD was 59.3 mg/cm3 in osteoporotic patients. Median PDFF was lower in the metastatic compared to the osteoporotic patients (11.9% vs. 43.8%, p=0.032). Median failure displacement and failure load were significantly higher in metastatic compared to osteoporotic patients (0.874 mm vs. 0.348 mm, 29,589 N vs. 3,095 N, p=0.034 each). A strong correlation was noted between PDFF and failure displacement (rho -0.679, p=0.094). A very strong correlation was noted between PDFF and failure load (rho -0.893, p=0.007). Conclusion: PDFF as well as failure displacement and load allowed to distinguish osteoporotic from diffuse osteoblastic vertebrae. Our findings further show strong associations between PDFF and failure displacement and load, thus may indicate complimentary pathophysiological associations derived from two non-invasive techniques (CSE-MRI and CT) that inherently measure different properties of vertebral bone and marrow.