Anterolateral kyphoplasty in the management of cervical spinal metastasis

Management of spinal metastasis is still controversial and must take into account various parameters. The aim of this study is to report the technical feasibility of a less invasive anterior cervical balloon kyphoplasty for vertebral body reinforcement. Six consecutive patients with an osteolytic cervical metastasis, without neurologic compromise, and for whom a curative treatment was not indicated, were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent balloon kyphoplasty through a small anterolateral cervicotomy. Evaluation of the technique outcomes was clinical and radiologic with a systematic CT-scan. During the follow-up period (6 months average), neurologic examination was normal in all cases with reduced cervical pain and without reported loss of motion of the cervical spine. A cement leakage was noticed in two cases without clinical consequences. This less invasive procedure was feasible and provided satisfactory preliminary results. It can therefore be a valuable alternative in selected cases where a curative treatment is not indicated.