[Surgical technics in tumors of the spine]

The authors have treated two hydatic cysts, three plasmocytomas, one chondrosarcoma, one osteogenic sarcoma and four metastasis at the level of the spine. The surgical procedures may be either palliative or curative. In metastatic lesions, posterior decompression was associated with internal fixation for prevention or improvement of neurological signs, providing more comfort during the patient's survival. Curative procedures were achieved a two-stages excision of the vertebra by anterior and posterior approachs, grafting and fixation using Harrington's rods. Surgery was followed by chemotherapy and roentgentherapy it should be started before onset on neurological troubles. Early results were gratifying flaccid paraplegia excluded.