The objectives of therapeutic surgery for spinal metastases are to decrease or eliminate pain, decompress neural elements to protect spinal cord function, and mechanically stabilize the spine. Depending on the type of primary cancer, the life expectancy of patients with spinal metastases may range from 6 months to ≥ 2 years. Thus, preserving mobility, neurologic status, quality of life, and comfort are priorities of management.
Although pain control is an objective of surgery for patients with spinal MBD, implantation of a spinal cord stimulator device is not typical treatment.
Surgery is not performed to monitor the progression of spinal MBD.
For more on spinal surgery for patients with MBD, read here.
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Cite this: Maurie Markman. Fast Five Quiz: Metastatic Bone Disease Management - Medscape - Mar 27, 2019.
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