Abstract

LAUBSCHER, M; HELD, M  and  DUNN, RN. Primary bone tumours of the spine: Presentation, surgical treatment and outcome. SA orthop. j. [online]. 2015, vol.14, n.2, pp.22-28. ISSN 2309-8309.  http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2309-8309.

BACKGROUND: Primary bone tumours of the spine are a group of rare tumours that include both benign and malignant lesions. Resection is associated with a high morbidity rate. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all the primary bone tumours of the spine that were surgically treated at our unit between 2005 and 2012 (haematological malignancies were excluded. RESULTS: Fifteen cases were included that presented at a median age of 36 years (range 8 to 65 years). Pain was the most common presenting symptom. Three patients had significant neurological deficits at time of presentation and in two cases there was an improvement after surgery. The median delay in diagnosis was 7 months (range 1 to 36 months). A variety of surgical strategies was employed with the use of adjuvant radio- or chemotherapy in six cases. Twelve benign and three malignant tumours were resected. Complications (sepsis, failure of fixation and recurrence) were encountered in five cases (33%. CONCLUSIONS: Primary bone tumours of the spine are often associated with a significant delay in diagnosis. Surgical strategy should be individualised for each case. Acceptable results can be achieved with this approach.

Keywords : primary bone tumour; bone tumour; primary spine tumour; spine tumour; resection.

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