Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026
10:49
Intraspinal Cell Transplantation for Targeting Cervical Ventral Horn in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Published on: September 18, 2011
Spinal intradural tumours: Part II--Intramedullary
P J Kane1, W el-Mahdy, A Singh
1Department of Surgical Neurology, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK.
British Journal of Neurosurgery
|March 15, 2000
Summary
Surgical management of intramedullary spinal cord tumors yielded positive outcomes, with 90% of patients remaining independently mobile long-term. Complete tumor removal did not increase neurological deficit risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Oncology
- Spinal Cord Surgery
Background:
- Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (ISCTs) are rare neoplasms requiring complex surgical intervention.
- Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions are affected, with ependymomas and astrocytomas being most prevalent.
- Optimal surgical strategies are crucial for maximizing tumor resection and preserving neurological function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the surgical outcomes of 54 patients with intramedullary spinal cord tumors.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of surgical management for ISCTs.
- To assess the correlation between extent of tumor removal and postoperative neurological status.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 54 patients undergoing surgical management for ISCTs.
- Data collection included tumor location, type, extent of resection, complications, and functional outcomes.
- Long-term follow-up (2-18 years) was conducted for 40 patients.
Main Results:
- Cervical tumors were most frequent (25/54), followed by thoracic (16/54) and lumbar (14/54).
- Total tumor removal was achieved in just over half of the cases.
- Postoperative improvements in motor function and sphincter control were observed in some patients, while complications included CSF leaks and infections.
Conclusions:
- Surgical management of intramedullary spinal cord tumors can achieve favorable long-term outcomes, with significant rates of independent mobility.
- Complete tumor removal is not associated with an increased risk of postoperative neurological deficit.
- These findings support the efficacy of surgical intervention for ISCTs, comparable to leading international centers.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Spinal Cord: Gross Anatomy
The spinal cord resides within the protective confines of the vertebral column. It is the main pathway for information traveling between the brain and the body. It plays a fundamental role in nearly all bodily functions, from simple reflexes to complex motor movements. The spinal cord begins at the medulla oblongata at the base of the brainstem and extends downward, terminating at the conus medullaris near the first and second lumbar vertebrae. The spinal cord's length in adults is...
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
Intervertebral disc herniation refers to the displacement of the nucleus pulposus (the gel-like inner core of the disc) through a tear or weakened area in the annulus fibrosus (the outer fibrous ring). The displaced disc material extends beyond the normal boundaries of the disc space and may compress or irritate nearby spinal nerve roots or, less commonly, the spinal cord.Etiology and Risk FactorsHerniation commonly results from degeneration, in which aging reduces disc hydration and...
01:27Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Degenerative disc disease is a chronic condition in which intervertebral discs gradually lose structure and function. It is not infectious or autoimmune; rather, it results from age-related biochemical and mechanical changes, influenced by genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors.Structure and Function of DiscsThe spine contains 23 intervertebral discs that absorb load, distribute forces, maintain spacing, and allow flexibility. Each disc consists of a nucleus pulposus, a gel-like core...