Surgical instrumentation as a palliative treatment for spinal cord compression

This paper describes a surgical procedure occasionally used to ameliorate symptoms caused by spinal cord compression in patients with metastatic cancer. After decompression of the spinal cord, Luque instrumentation has been effectively used to stabilize the spine and provide pain relief. Two malleable rods are fixed to the spine by sublaminal wires to several healthy laminae above and below the site of the metastatic lesions. Pre- and postoperative nursing care involves constant assessment to detect early neuromuscular and autonomic functional changes. Effective pain management is crucial to the patient's well-being. This surgery does not alter a patient's prognosis but can dramatically affect quality of life.